). A Grassroots Solutions for Global Challenges: The Role of Self-Help Groups in Building Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience to Climate Change in Nyakach, Kenya.
Abstract
The impact of climate change in developing countries such as prolonged droughts,
flooding and erratic rainfall, among other effects are increasingly driving agriculturaldependent
households into deeper poverty each year. Addressing these challenges requires
comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies involving both local and global efforts.
Self-help groups (SHGs) are recognized as powerful instruments for empowering vulnerable
groups, particularly women, by providing access to credit and health information. They
also play a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation, enhancing sustainable
livelihoods for their members. However, this aspect has received limited attention in
academic research. This study explores the nexus between SHGs, climate change mitigation,
and sustainable livelihoods in Nyakach Sub County, a region where recurrent climate shocks
exacerbate persistent poverty. A descriptive research design was employed, involving a
sample of 384 respondents selected from members of 630 self-help groups (SHGs) in
Nyakach Sub County, Kenya. The study’s findings show that SHG members benefit from
SHGs facilitated capital assets some of which that have not only led to reduced reliance on
firewood, thus mitigating deforestation, but also facilitated a transition to alternative energy
sources. This shift has enhanced their adaptive capacity to challenges posed by climate
change. Furthermore, a significant correlation (rs=0.659, p=0.014) was observed between
SHG-associated resources and competencies in climate change mitigation and household
sustainability. Additionally, collective action, such as participation in tree planting and
trenching/water channelling to combat flood effects, strongly correlated with SHG-associated
resources. Overall, the study concludes that SHG-linked assets and competencies play a vital
role in enhancing climate change adaptation and the sustainable livelihoods of members. The
study recommends increased emphasis on strengthening social capital within SHGs.
URI
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmri.v3i2.2578 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajmrihttp://repository.mut.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/6511