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infrastructure including river bank erosion, crop failure, and livestock disease
(Government of Kenya 2004 ). The 1997/98 fl oods in Kenya drowned livestock
and destroyed acres of land, which led to crop failure and lack of pasture (Osbahr
and Viner 2006 ). It not only completely destroyed harvested food storage but the
meat and milk production/consumption market saw extreme losses as well. In the
Budalangi district agricultural production reduces by 50 % every 3 years due to
disaster-related incidences (Otiende 2009 ).
Again in 2011, a major fl ood event devastated the Budalangi division. Nearly
100 % (98 %) of people reported an impact on household economy, including
sectors such as crops (98 %), food prices (95 %), and households/property (66 %).
Much of the population coped with the disaster by relying on aid (91 %), migration
(64 %), alternative income for food (39 %), relatives (37 %), and sale of assets to
buy food (22 %). All of these coping mechanisms exacerbate livelihood insecurity.
Furthermore, 72 % still reported adverse effects despite their coping mechanism(s).
Forty percent of those who did not attempt any coping mechanism stated they did
not have the knowledge or skills to do so, while 31 % declared lack of resources/
means to help themselves (UNU-EHS 2013 ).
Many authors have linked vulnerability to natural disasters, to climate variability,
and changes to societal indicators, including social, economic, political, and institu-
tional characteristics (Blaikie et al. 1994 ; Leary et al. 2008a , b ; Baudoin et al. 2013 ).
Among these studies, some have also tried to identify specifi c groups that are more
likely to be impacted during hazards. These include, but are not limited to, women,
farmers, and those living in specifi c geographical locations (e.g., slums) (Osbahr
and Viner 2006 ; Niaz 2009 ; Otiende 2009 ; Dulo et al. 2010 ). As main fi ndings,
these studies highlight gaps in knowledge regarding indicators of vulnerability that
should be addressed in order to foster resilience in response to disasters and climate
change impacts.
Box 19.2 Vulnerable Groups: Focus on Women in Kenya
As mentioned in Chap. 14 , women are particularly at risk during extreme
hazards such as fl oods because of their marginalization in many societies
(Niaz 2009 ; Otiende 2009 ). In Kenya marginalization can be linked to cultural
expectations toward women, who are perceived as home based, responsible
for maintaining the household, caring for children, preparing meals, etc. They
are expected at a young age to take on traditional roles (e.g., getting married)
and are additionally involved in many agricultural activities such as weeding,
sowing, and harvesting, which often deprive them from education.
Consequently, their limited knowledge and understanding of disasters' risks
and preventative measures can make them more vulnerable when facing
climate hazards ( UNDP 2012 ).
(continued)
 
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