Determinants of Pastoral Communities’ Participation in Community Based Eco-Tourism Enterprises as Livelihood Diversification Strategy

Abstract

Pastoralism has been the main source of livelihood for pastoral communities in Kenya. However pastoral based livelihoods are declining due of vagaries of climate change, reduced rangelands and lack of competitive markets for pastoral products. Livelihood diversification options in pastoral areas depend on alternative resources at the area of habitants. In Laikipia Kenya, enormous Ecotourism activities pose as a potential source of alternative livelihood to pastoralists. Past studies have shown that vagaries of climate change as a major determinant for pastoralist to engage in ecotourism activities, other determinants have not been empirically determined. The study was aimed at identifying other determinants. Data was collected by interviewing 231 households in Laikipia County. Heckman switching regression model was used in analysis. Factors such as engagement in off farm incomes activities, ownership of land and good infrastructure are major determinants of participation in ecotourism enterprises.

Key words: Livelihood, diversification, ecotourism, pastoralism, participation