International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

The study aimed at assessing how the Kalobeyei community in Turkana County, Kenya is adopting crop farming in an agropastoral system. Specifically, it sought to determine irrigation and other water-use efficient strategies used in building resilience in growing crops in the community. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data was collected from key informants working with the Dan Church Aid (DCA) and the local community leaders. Similarly, qualitative observations were also used to inform the study conclusions. Pastoralism alone cannot sustain livelihoods due to climatic vagaries, animal pests and diseases. The County government of Turkana is collaborating with Non-governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in teaching the locals on ways of building resilience in crop farming using shade nets, cone gardens and vertical gardens. These techniques are not only addressing food security in the area but also diversifying diet of the locals where acute malnutrition among children under the age of five is prevalent. The study concluded that the study area has great untapped potential in adoption of crop farming despite harsh climatic conditions and unsettled nomadic lifestyle. Therefore, there is a need to promote multi-sectoral engagement to effect synergy in the change. This study recommends targeted and deliberate agriculture extension that is guided by the remapping and designing of feasible and sustainable integrated outreaches.