EFFECTS OF DONOR SUPPORT ON SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS IN TANA RIVER COUNTY
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of donor-supported interventions on sustainable livelihoods among small-scale farmers and pastoralists in Tana River Sub-County, Kenya.
Statement of the Problem: Livelihoods in Tana River County remain highly vulnerable to climate variability, which continues to weaken agricultural productivity despite increased donor and county government investment. Although donor support is expected to reduce poverty and promote rural development, this has not been fully achieved in many ASAL communities, including Tana River. Existing studies have mainly examined crop production or livestock separately, leaving limited evidence on the combined effect of donor-supported crop, livestock, and water access interventions on sustainable livelihoods.
Methodology: The study adopted a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Primary data were collected from 320 beneficiary households selected through stratified random sampling across 12 locations. Multivariate Ordinary Least Squares regression was used to assess the relationship between donor support and livelihood outcomes.
Findings: The findings showed that irrigation, technical extension, farm inputs, and water pumps significantly improved crop earnings. In livestock farming, technical assistance, insurance, vaccination, and fodder support positively influenced livestock earnings. Water-related interventions, including boreholes, water pumps, drip irrigation, water pans, and increased months of water access, improved earnings through time saved. However, value addition, infrastructure support, and unconditional cash transfers showed weak or negative livelihood effects.
Conclusion: The study concluded that donor interventions improve livelihoods when they directly enhance productivity, reduce risks, and support reliable water access.
Recommendation: The study recommends prioritizing irrigation, extension, farm inputs, livestock insurance, vaccination, fodder support, and productive-use water infrastructure, while linking value addition and infrastructure support to financing, training, and markets.
Keywords: Donor support, sustainable livelihoods, crop and livestock productivity, water access, household income
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