Influence of the Drought on Sisal Production in Kibwezi East Sub-County, Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

Sisal (Agave sisalana) has potential which has not so far been fully exploited. Sisal leaves produce quality fibres which are utilized for convectional purposes like making ropes, anchors, cordage and handicrafts. Preliminary studies indicate that there is great scope for the development of sisal base which could augment employment opportunities in rural sector. Sisal industry is concentrated mainly in tropical regions of Africa, central, South America and Asia and in mostly the poorest areas of the world. Sisal in many cases of these areas it is the only source of income and economic activity. In the past, Sisal production has been flourishing but due to aggravated effects of drought, there has been very low practice of these activities. About 75% of Kenya’s population depends on agriculture for food and income. Agriculture contributes 26% to the GDP and 60% to foreign exchange earnings. In the recent years due to changes of weather and resurgence of constraints weather conditions, sisal production trends have been decreasing posing concern. There is inadequate information on the influence of drought on sisal production of the local communities in Kibwezi east Sub-county of Makueni County thus necessitates this research. The objectives of the study were to: examine the trends of sisal production since 2000 to 2016 in Kibwezi east sub-county; identify and describe impacts of drought on sisal production; identify the contribution of sisal production to the local livelihoods; identify drought coping mechanisms on sisal production. Cross-sectional descriptive research was used. Sample size of 382 was interviewed from a study population of 80,236. Kibwezi east sub-county was stratified into locations, sub-locations and then households which were selected through simple random sampling for questionnaire administration. Purposive sampling was used to get district officers, chiefs, sub-chiefs, elites and village elders for Key informant interviews. Primary data was obtained through questionnaire administration, key informant interview, focus group discussion, field observation and Photography. Secondary data were obtained from relevant textbooks, journal texts, websites and government reports, published and unpublished reports. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, percentages and modes. Qualitative data were analyzed by creating themes and patterns and then validating the usefulness of the information obtained.The findings were presented in form of statistical tables, charts, photographs and discussion to show the interrelationship between the various variables. The results showed that sisal production is in rise despite continued drought in Kibwezi, although there were a number of effects which included pests and diseases, low rainfall, destruction of sisal by animals and low prices. The study found that sisal production improved locals’ livelihoods, by creating over 3000 jobs, selling grass at low prices to locals reducing livestock deaths, providing food and water access reducing malnutrition and at large schools and dispensary which reduced mass displacement of people in search of health services. The residents should be encouraged to plant sisal largely due to its resilience to drought. The entire community, policy makers and institutional framework for environmental governance should strategies to increase acreage under sisal production due to its adaptation to continued drought severity and sustainable reduction of poverty, sustained economic and food security to local sisal farmers.