Gender-Based Assessment of the Effects of Adoption of Alternative Livelihood Strategies on Pastoral Households in West Pokot County, Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to asses, from a gender perspective, the effects of Alternative Livelihood Strategies (ALSs) on households in the pastoral community of West Pokot County. Methodology: This study applied both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, and adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was adult household members in West Pokot County. While multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to sample 371 household survey respondents, 15 participants for Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and nine Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), were purposively selected. Data was collected using questionnaires, KII schedule and FGD guide. Validity and reliability of the data collection instruments were achieved through triangulation method and pilot-testing in Baringo County. Quantitative data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The analyzed data was presented in tables and charts. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data that was presented in narrative and verbatim forms. Findings: The study results were that, adoption of ALSs had three effects on the pastoral households. First, it blurred the boundaries that separated men and women in terms of household roles and socioeconomic status. Second, ALSs affected the way household members related to each other. The effects were both negative and positive, depending on type and level of ALSs adopted. Third, adoption of ALSs caused improvement in the socioeconomic status of most households. Overall, ALSs had more positive effects on households and had caused general improvement in living standards. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Structural Functionalism theory and the Harvard Analytical Framework may be used to emphasize the critical contribution of both men and women in the wellbeing of pastoral households, through equitable and inclusive adoption of ALSs. The findings of this study could enable development agencies to formulate concrete interventions and policies to curb the negative effects of adoption of ALSs on households while leveraging on the positive ones, from a gender perspective. This will enhance adoption of ALSs and the community's well-being.