Determinants of Fodder Production and Their Effect on Household Income among Pastoralist in Wajir County, Kenya

Purpose: This study has discussed the determinants of fodder production in reference to access to land, finance, extension services and input costs and its effect on the household income among pastoralists in Wajir County, Kenya. Methodology: The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Diffusion of Innovations Theory, and Social Exclusion Theory were used to inform the study. The descriptive survey design was used where the study population consisted of 357 people who comprised of livestock herders, fodder producers, extension officers, and community members. Gathering of data was via the use of structured questionnaires and subsequent analysis was done via descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS. Findings: The findings indicated that access to land, financial services and granting of extensions in a secure manner was significantly beneficial in the household income whereas high costs of inputs limited productivity. Together, the four factors had a significant share in the explanation of income fluctuation, which highlights the potential of fodder production as an effective diversification strategy of livelihood. Unique Contribution to Practice and Policy: The study suggests the necessity to enhance land tenure security, increase access to affordable credit, improvement of delivery of extension services, and subsidizing the costs of inputs. The targeted interventions will support the development of strong household incomes and fodder systems in Wajir and other counties in the ASAL regions.