Urbanization and Livelihoods of the Maasai Community in Kenya

Climate change is a real common phenomena in which it is affecting livelihoods. The Maasai as a community has been affected by climate change in many ways. Most of their livelihood which is pastoralism has been affected by the rapid climatic changes taking place. The Maasai have been living on the products of these animals in arid and semi-arid areas have developed other coping mechanisms associated with urbanization. Most of them have noted the changes in weather patterns and have had to reduce their herds of cattle which was seen as a source of wealth and health. They have changed from the normal nomadic lives to live in urban areas to engage in other livelihoods, like urban farming, trade, and also engage in sedentary lives unlike their perceived nomadism (Rakodi, 2002). The changes in Livelihood among the Maasai has enabled the community to engage in healthy and manageable coping mechanisms. This has led them to learn sustainable livelihoods in the midst of their few herds of cattle being owned by other Maasai's. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stress and shocks to enhance its capabilities and a not undermining resource base.