Effects of drought dynamics on vegetation cover in Marigat sub-county , Baringo county, Kenya

Abstract

Drought is a norm rather than exception in Marigat Sub-County, Baringo County in Kenya where it adversely affects vegetation and water resources which are key resource for pastoralism. However, the effects vary depending on the dynamic of each drought event. This study sought to establish the drought dynamics in in Marigat Sub-Countyand how the dynamics affect vegetation cover in the County. A sample size of 368 households from a total study population of 9,160 households was selected for the survey alongside meteorological datasheets, remotely-sensed images, hydrological datasheets and maps. Droughts were frequent in Baringo County occurring once in every two years. The intensity the droughts ranged from 0.1 to 57.8 percent below the long-term mean. Whereas some droughts were on off events, majority occurred in runs with the longest lasting for up to 5 years (2000-2004). Vegetation cover was severely affected when droughts were prolonged and intense and vice versa. Bare grounds devoid of vegetation cover were common during prolonged and intense droughts as it was experienced during the 2000 La Nina drought (NDVI value of0.07).As the inhabitants strived to cope with the effects of droughts, they turned into their immediate environment exploiting the available resources. This led to destruction of vegetation cover through activities such as overgrazing on wetlands and forested areas, charcoal burning and clearing of vegetation to allow crop farming. Thus with the increasing drought frequency, duration and intensity, if the environmental degradation remains unchecked Marigat Sub-Countywill become a desert devoid of vegetation