BARRIERS TO DISSEMINATING INFORMATION IN THE CURRENT STRATEGIES FOR DROUGHT MANAGEMENT IN THE ASAL
Abstract
Purpose: The study sought to examine barriers to effective dissemination of drought information among pastoralist communities in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL.
Methodology: A mixed-methods approach with a correlation survey design was used, collecting data from 600 pastoralist households and 12 NDMA officers through questionnaires, interviews, and FGDs, with analysis done using SPSS Version 22 and thematic coding.
Results: The study revealed major barriers to drought information dissemination including illiteracy (40%), lack of funding (21%), gender inequality (11%), communication gaps (7%), and political interference (8%). Further findings indicated that current dissemination approaches rely heavily on technical bulletins and inaccessible media channels, with limited use of local languages or participatory strategies. NDMA informants cited understaffing, outdated communication formats, and insufficient resources as additional institutional constraints.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the current top-down communication strategies are inadequate in reaching remote and marginalized pastoralist communities. A shift towards inclusive, culturally sensitive, and locally driven communication approaches is essential to improve drought preparedness and response in ASAL regions.
Recommendations: The study recommends the development of localized audio-visual materials, use of radio programs in local dialects, integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge, and the creation of drought information champions within communities. It also calls for the establishment of robust monitoring and evaluation systems and stronger coordination among government and local actors to enhance information flow and community resilience.
Keywords: Drought information, ASAL regions, communication barriers, indigenous knowledge, early warning systems, NDMA, pastoralist communities, drought preparedness.
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