The intent of this study was to examine the impact of
changing land use patterns on the numbers and distribution
of livestock and wild herbivores in the Tana River District,
Kenya.
A multi-method approach of aerial surveys,
questionnaires, interviews and secondary data sources were
employed to realize the objectives.
Results indicate that changes in land use patterns and
types have created conflicts that led to the reduction of
the range and affected distribution of pastoral livestock

Farm fragmentation, in which a household operates more than one separate parcel of land, is a common phenomenon in Sub-Saharan Africa. Concerned by the perceived costs of fragmented as opposed to consolidated holdings, several countries have implemented land consolidation programs. But these interventions overlook the benefits that land fragmentation can offer farmers in managing risk, in overcoming seasonal labor bottlenecks, and in better matching soil types with necessary food crops.

This paper employs an historical analysis to consider some of the consequences of conflicting resource use and political friction on resource exploitation within and outside Turkana District during this century. Given this historical context, development alternatives tested to ameliorate food insecurity are reviewed.The article proposes that the stage for political conflicts, environmental degradation and food insecurity within the region was set decades ago.