Poverty among Livestock Keepers in Kenya: Are Spatial Factors Important?

Abstract

This paper explores the spatial determinants of poverty among livestock keepers by taking an econometric approach that combine poverty indices for livestock keeping areas in Kenya as the dependent variable and relating this to a variety of spatial variab les likely to contribute to poverty at a local scale. We use both gl obal and local regression models. In carrying out this analysis, elimination of spatial autocorr elation was done by use of the Moran’s I and Lagrange multiplier. The results show different spatial variables to influence poverty at the different scales and to be geographically related at the local scale. Soil quality, agro-climatic conditions, slope, land use and demographic variables are important factors in determining poverty. These variables offer a challenge to policymakers in deciding on the meas ures to take to enable the reduction of poverty in the rangelands of Kenya. With the establishm ent of constituency development funds, tackling the problem at the local scale could be the most feasible opt ion for the national government when such information is made available.