Indigenous knowledge and its potency in mitigating drought induced fam

Drought is a recurring challenge to the livelihoods among communities living in Kerio valley, and those living in the arid and semi-arid zone of Kenya. The purpose of this study was to assess indigenous knowledge and its potency in mitigating drought induced famine among the communities living in Kerio valley. The study population comprises of respondents from the members of communities household living in Kerio valley, government officers from the ministries of Agriculture, Water, Livestock, non-governmental organizations and Community Based Organization. Cross -sectional survey based on a sample of three areas: Keiyo, Marakwet and Baringo Districts were employed in the study.. Research instruments used were questionnaires, interview schedule, observations and focus group discussions. The study established that although the occurrence of locusts and army worms was likely to lead to crops destruction and hence famine, their occurrence was often unpredictable; and consequently, the main cause of famine was found to be drought which was most prevalent and tends to occur periodically. The study found that drought induced famine has a combination of effects on the community.