PhD thesis Title Page Final _Richard Juma - Victoria University ...

useful findings, for until now, we had not had detailed data on how the
Turkana manage problems of such magnitude through their indigenous
social activities.
The findings further suggest that drought per se does not necessarily lead
to famine: death from starvation and hunger related diseases. Other
intervening variables like the socio-economic environment are crucial.
Those who inhabit hostile environments suffer, while those who live in
better resource endowed environments generally survive.
Lastly, what is going on in the two villages under study is an indication of
what might become a wider process in the whole of the Turkana District. I
suggest that changes in development policies relevant to this area could
lead to a sustainable adaptive strategy. Therefore, I conclude by
recommending some policy changes.
8.6 Policy implications.
A number of policy implications could be derived from the findings of this
study to help improve the pastoralists’ local capacities for managing future
droughts and famine. Some of the issues which need particular attention
by the policy makers are highlighted.
This study has shown that Turkana people have faced drought and famine
by resorting to a range of livelihood strategies which both draw upon
traditional social networks and practices but which also exploit new
opportunities in links with the modern outside world. Their responses are
complex, dynamic and pragmatic.
In terms of appropriate policy responses, it is important to recognise the
realities of daily life in the region and the way people span both traditional
practices and new linkages. Policies should not be built upon the view
248