Embargo Period

4-26-2026

Degree Name

MA in Sustainable Development

First Advisor

Aly Dagang, Dr

Abstract

During the last decade, in the town of Kargi, Kenya, the severity and frequency of drought conditions have become a common trend. Consequently, pastoralist households have become displaced often to nearby town centers. This research investigates shifts in livelihood experiences of drought-displaced Rendille pastoralists in Kargi town, Marsabit County in Northern Kenya. The study employed Thematic Analysis to identify patterns and relationships in qualitative data from household and key informant interviews to investigate shifts in livelihood outcomes. Findings presented a downward trend in livelihood outcomes after displacement. However, key indicators of higher well-being outcomes included access to non-pastoral income-earning activities and regular employment. While displacement presents opportunities for some and possibly hardships for others, households that gradually settled reported better well-being outcomes over time than those that settled abruptly. Differences in well-being outcomes within and between settled groups indicate the need for diverse approaches to support households in distinct situations, particularly the most vulnerable.

Keywords: Climate change; Drought; Pastoralism; Livelihood diversification; Displacement; Resilience; Northern Kenya

Disciplines

Development Studies

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