Bibliographic details:  (APA)

Bruins, H. J., Akong’a, J. J., Rutten, M. M., & Kressel, G. M. (2003). NIRP Research for Policy Series 17.

Abstract:

This study deals with problems of drought and drought-coping mechanisms among pastoralists living in arid zones in Kenya and the Negev (Israel). Its final objective is to provide input and formulate policy recommendations for the development of integrated drought contingency planning. The results are based on a cooperative effort by Kenyan, Israeli and Dutch researchers carried out under the NIRP programme between 1994 and 1999. NIRP aims to encourage development-related research focused on socioeconomic and cultural change. Being policy-oriented in nature, NIRP aims to make the results of research accessible to anyone interested in solving the problems investigated. The target groups for such knowledge include policy makers, representatives of non-governmental and donor organisations, and the scientific community. With this aim in mind, the Publication Board has launched the NIRP Research for Policy Series as a channel for the publication of “user-friendly” summaries of more than 30 scientific reports. The Publication Board wishes to thank Dr. Mirjam A.F. Ros-Tonen for editing the summary on which this monograph is based. Thanks are also due to Howard Turner for revising the English. Last but not least, the Publication Board wishes to thank the research team for the successful completion of this study. It would like to pay particular tribute to Mr. Francis M. Ndaraiya, who made valuable contributions during the conception of the project, while on a training visit in Israel, at the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research. He played a key role in Kenya in the logistical execution of the project, particularly with regard to communication, transport and field visits. He conducted pioneering rainwater-harvesting field trials in Kajiado District, in cooperation with the local Maasai, but disease prevented him from continuing and concluding these experiments. He nevertheless collected a significant amount of important data during 1995, 1996 and 1997. He passed away after a severe illness on 18 December 1998.