Declining Social Capital and Vulnerability to Livelihood Risks in Turkana District, Kenya

Abstract

This paper discusses the traditional responses of the Turkana, through the use of social capital, to livelihood insecurity in the context of changed socio-economic conditions using data collected in Turkana district in 2000. The paper focuses on three aspects with regard to livelihood security in Turkana society. The present socio-economic situation in Turkana society, however, is such that these mechanisms of support for the vulnerable households have weakened and become inadequate and cannot be relied upon by weak households during periods of hardships leading to increased vulnerability to livelihood risks.