Doctor of Philosophy in Dryland Resource Management

Philosophy 

The combination of inadequate understanding of the dynamics of drylands and other ecosystems and local livelihood systems are to blame for the inappropriate policy actions, impoverishment of communities, and their increased vulnerability to various shocks including climate change. The root cause of these problems is
mainly linked to lack of skilled manpower trained at the post-graduate level in dryland resource management in most African countries. The majority of the dryland resource managers in the region are not equipped with skills relevant to tackle the complex biophysical and socio-cultural issues typical of the arid and semi-arid rangelands ecosystems. The philosophy of this degree programme is therefore anchored in the paradigm that drylands are socio-ecological systems with complex biophysical, socio-cultural and economic interactions, which call for specialised managers and decision makers.

This programme therefore aims to produce a critical mass of dryland resource specialists equipped with requisite skills, technologies and innovations to further research, apply appropriate practices and influence policies in favour of resilient and sustainable dryland
ecosystems and livelihoods.The objective of this program is therefore to produce graduates who are highly rained and expected to directly participate in applying appropriate technologies and innovations for
sustainable management of dryland ecosystems and to participate in development decisions, and research to inform to policy formulations and development decisions at both local, national, regional and international levels.

Rationale 

This curriculum is cognizant of the heterogeneity in the drylands and therefore is tailored to equip the learners with knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable management of other ecosystems besides
the arid and semi-arid areas that dominate tropical rangelands. The curriculum recognizes the role of higher education in unlocking the potential of drylands ecosystems. The programme aims at ensuring
that education has impact on sustainability of drylands and other ecosystems by producing experts who understand the unique needs of such complex ecosystems and the need for innovative approaches for
enhancing their sustainability, as well the livelihoods they support.

Needs assessment/market survey/situation analysis
To improve dryland livelihoods and environmental security, there is a need to build knowledge and understanding of dryland production systems and underlying socio -ecological processes. This curriculum
aims at training and equipping professional in dryland resource management of national, regional and  international repute with appropriate scientific knowledge and skills required to implement sustainable and environmental friendly technologies and practices aimed at securing livelihoods, as well as enhancing drylands capacity to continue playing a significant role in the national, regional and global economies. The revision of this curriculum also responds to the staff capacity needs assessment done in five ASAL Counties of northern Kenya in 2017 which indicated the need for well trained personnel to undertake responsibility  within the drylands, wildlife and livestock sector. The programme also responds to the objective of sustainability of rangelands as outlined in the AU policy framework for pastoralism, regional rangeland management strategic framework, African Agenda 2063 - Aspiration on prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, National Vision 2030 Social Pillar on Education and Training cascaded into County government through County Integrated Development Programmes (CIDP) of various ASAL
counties.

Justification of the need for the programme
The sustainable development of drylands and improvement of livelihoods in the drylands characterised by intense poverty is a priority development agenda in eastern and southern Africa. This will involve interventions targeting, inter alia, increased production and livelihood systems productivity, and investments. As elsewhere in the world, the long-term driving force of modern economic growth will be science-based technological advances. The challenges associated with the drylands of eastern and southern Africa require an approach to science and innovation, which is entrepreneurial and oriented toward key development challenges.