Poster #151 - Sources of Risk and Resilience for Children from Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (ASALs) in Kenya

• In Event: Poster Session 01

Abstract

It is estimated that over 250 million children under 5 years in low and middle-income countries are at risk of not reaching their full development potential (Black et al, 2017). Despite these risks, there are those children who grow up and overcome the challenges (Masten et al, 2018). Children living in marginalized arid and semi-arid (ASALs) communities in Kenya are vulnerable to poor developmental outcomes due to a constellation of risk factors (KHDS 2014). However, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on sources of risks and resilience in these children. Systematic documentation of the risk factors for child outcomes will be key in quantifying the overall burden and informing policy. Additionally, understanding the factors that enhance coping and resilience in children from these marginalized arid and semi-arid communities is key to implementing targeted interventions. As a step towards the development of contextually relevant interventions, we conducted a situational analysis. The main aim of the study was to qualitatively document the community perceptions on sources of risk and resilience for children living in arid and semi-arid communities in Kenya. The study was conducted in 10 arid and semi-arid counties which are majorly marginalized communities in Kenya. These regions have the highest levels of poverty in the country and the lowest development indicators (KHDS 2014). Purposive and snowballing techniques were used to recruit 10 key informants per site with varying levels of involvement with early childhood development. A semi-structured interview guide developed by the research team was used. In total, we conducted 103 in-depth interviews with key informants. Of these, 45 were females and 58 were males. The mean age of the participants was 43.89 years (SD= 10.89 years). The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVIVO software was used for data management and analysis was done thematically. Preliminary findings highlight several risk factors for poor child outcomes. They include female genital mutilation, early marriages, polygamy, poor maternal mental health, gender-based violence, food insecurity leading to malnutrition, insecurity, nomadism, poverty, and other climate change effects such as heat stress, floods, droughts, and extreme cold at night. Some of the identified sources of resilience include responsive parenting, family support, exclusive breastfeeding, communal child ownership, traditional activities such as dances, religious activities including madrasas where children start learning at a very early age, school feeding programs, and natural adaptation of the children. This study recommends the urgent need to address the challenges that face children in these marginalized communities. Furthermore, necessitates the finding of innovative programs to protect and support the holistic development of these children.

Authors

• Jebor Chongwo, Aga Khan University - Kenya
  Presenting Author

• Amina Abubakar, Aga Khan University - Kenya

• Joyce Marangu, Aga Khan University - Kenya

• Phillis Moraa Magoma, Aga Khan University - Kenya