The Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Food Security among the Rendille Pastoralist Households

Climate change is the most serious threat to Sub-Saharan Africa’s food security with consequences particularly extreme in arid and semi-arid areas where pastoralists-based livestock systems are an important source of income. Drought has resulted in massive livestock losses in recent years with dramatic impacts on pastoral lives. The primary source of food insecurity in Marsabit County is climate change and variability. It affects the livelihoods and revenue streams of small-scale food producers by raising food prices and restricting access to food. This paper examines the impacts of climate change and variability on food security among the Rendille pastoralists in Marsabit with focus on food availability, accessibility, utilization and stability. Climate variability in Marsabit County has led to changes in the nutritional quality of some foods. Moreover, climate change and variabilities hinder the ability of pastoralists to feed their livestock leading to loss of their means of support and food insecurity.