CAPACITY ASSESSMENT ON DROUGHT RISK MANAGEMENT IN NOTHERN KENYA: A CASE OF WAJIR COUNTY.

Abstract

Due to aggravating water scarcity and climate change, as well as the causal factors of rising population and increased water demand for energy and agriculture, large-scale intensive droughts are becoming commonplace worldwide. the study aimed to assess Wajir County's capacity for drought risk management, focusing on personnel technical capacity, financing capacity, technological capacity, and institutional coordination capacity. The target population of the study was Wajir county staff, National Drought Management Authority, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations and Faith-Based Organizations which constituted 1200 respondents, with a sample size of 120. Stratified sampling techniques were used for the study whereas, primary data was collected using a questionnaire tool for the analysis, the data was analyzed using SPSS software version 26. The collected data was analyzed quantitatively. The inferential analysis involved both component factor analysis and regression analysis. Statistical measures such as means, standard deviation, and percentages were relied upon to present the analysis results in the form of tables, charts and graphs. To analyze the relationships between the study variables, the ANOVA and regression model were used. Study findings, personnel technical capacity reveals a need for enhanced training and resource allocation to address relatively low preparedness levels. Stakeholder collaboration and engagement, alongside cohesive coordination within departments, emerge as crucial factors for successful drought risk management. Financial capacity underscores the importance of transparent resource allocation and robust leadership structures, while technology capacity emphasizes the need for improved training and real-time risk monitoring tools. Institutional coordination capacity demonstrates the positive relationship between collaborative practices and effective risk management. Conclusions emphasize the critical need for improved training and resource allocation to empower personnel, alongside the importance of stakeholder collaboration and cohesive interdepartmental coordination. Institutional coordination capacity plays a vital role in facilitating collaborative risk assessment practices, highlighting the need for standardized approaches. Recommendations suggest prioritizing enhanced training and resource allocation, fostering a culture of innovation, ensuring transparent resource management, and leveraging technology to optimize risk management tools. Further research could explore similar variables in other counties or investigate the impact of government regulations on drought risk management decisions. Additionally, studies may examine the effects of water resource management, agriculture, and food security on drought resilience in similar contexts.