Exploring Information Dissemination Frameworks that Assist Pastoralists in the ASAL in Drought Management

Authors

  • Henry Lucheli Lusala Kisii University, Kenya
  • Jane Maina Kisii University, Kenya
  • Iddi Juma Garissa University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t7092

Abstract

The study sought to explore information dissemination frameworks that assist pastoralists in the ASAL in drought management. To characterize how knowledge about drought management is disseminated among pastoralists in ASAL, the study used a survey design. The researcher collected information through questionnaires, interviews, and FGDs regarding pastoralists' practices, circumstances, and opinions at a particular point in time. The researcher used qualitative feedback from pastoralists to propose a hybrid framework. The survey results showed that participants generally agreed on the urgent need for policies that enable prompt, efficient responses to drought information. Given that pastoralists have difficulty understanding complex content, few respondents emphasized the need to make communication clearer and simpler for them. The consensus among participants regarding the "urgent need for policies that could enable prompt and efficient responses" indicates that current drought management is perceived as too slow, reactive, or ineffective. There is a clear, widely held demand for institutional frameworks to shift from emergency aid, which often arrives too late, to proactive strategies, such as strengthening early warning systems and improving infrastructure to ensure timely intervention. To effectively address the urgent need for improved drought information-dissemination response policies, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive framework that prioritizes pastoralist involvement and transparent information dissemination for drought management. It is imperative to simplify complex information due to a high level of illiteracy. As indicated by participants, modifying material to pastoralists' practical and cultural needs, including the language used, may further increase involvement.

Keywords: Information dissemination frameworks, pastoralists, drought management

Author Biographies

Henry Lucheli Lusala, Kisii University, Kenya

Department of Library Science and Communication Studies, Kisii University

Jane Maina , Kisii University, Kenya

Department of Library Science and Communication Studies, Kisii University

Iddi Juma, Garissa University

Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Garissa University

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Published

2026-06-16

How to Cite

Lusala, H. L., Maina, J., & Juma, I. (2026). Exploring Information Dissemination Frameworks that Assist Pastoralists in the ASAL in Drought Management. Journal of Information, Technology and Data Science, 10(1), 56–70. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t7092

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Articles