Socio-institutional and Policy Constraints Associated with Planned Grazing Adoption in Naibunga Community Conservancy, Laikipia County, Kenya

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to examine the socio-institutional and policy-related constraints influencing adoption and long-term implementation of planned grazing within communally governed group ranches. Study Design: The study adopted a mixed-methods embedded design in which qualitative data from key informant interviews were integrated with quantitative data from household surveys and ecological field measurements. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Naibunga Conservancy located in Laikipia County, Kenya. This conservancy comprises nine group ranches. The study was conducted for a period of six months. Methodology: Data were collected from 210 household heads drawn from six group ranches through structured survey questionnaires, supplemented by interviews with six key informants comprising group ranch chairpersons from adopting and non-adopting ranches. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests with Cramér’s V, Cronbach’s alpha, and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results: Group-ranch implementation status was significantly associated with adoption (OR = 10.17, 95% CI [4.98, 20.74], p < 0.001). A livestock-based livelihood (OR = 4.74, 95% CI [1.10, 20.35], p = 0.036) and cattle holding (OR = 1.44, 95% CI [1.00, 2.06], p = 0.048) were also significantly associated with adoption. Lack of awareness and education at the group-ranch level was the most frequently endorsed constraint, reported by 92.7% of respondents. Insufficient funding, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate technical support services and perceived input costs each received more than 80% endorsement. Ineffective policy implementation was the least frequently endorsed constraint, at 69.5%. Conclusion: The findings indicate that constraints on the adoption of community-based grazing interventions are concentrated in group-ranch institutions and support services rather than in individual reluctance. Strengthening these institutions, securing sustainable financing and investing in supporting infrastructure are important if CBNRM approaches are to advance their social and ecological objectives in Kenya’s pastoral drylands.