The role of social capital in enhancement of socio- economic livelihoods: a case of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

Abstract

Social economic livelihood is a function of various factors that work interchangeably to influence social relationships. This study was carried out in Keiyo North, Keiyo south, Marakwet West, and Marakwet East sought to examine the role of social capital in enhancing socio economic livelihoods. The specific objectives of the study were; to examine determinants of social capital; to find out components of social capital integration; and to evaluate the effects of social capital integration on people’s socio economic livelihood. The study adopted simultaneous triangulation of descriptive and inferential studies; it was guided by social capital theory and Sustainable Livelihood Framework which emphasized the importance of the livelihood resources of social, physical, economic and natural resources. Concurrent mixed method research design was used to facilitate expanded evidence of data and its analysis. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussion and sample of 384 from the target population of 454,480 was picked using stratified probability sampling technique. Descriptive statistical technique was utilized in analysis of quantitative data, while qualitative aspect were thematically transcribed and interpreted. The study main findings were: For objective one, most households own less than 3 hectares of land; hence the households have a motivation to look for alternative means of generating resources for enhanced socio-economic livelihoods. For the second objective residents of EMC are members of various groups with majority being members of religious groups, women groups and neighboring committees; these networks assist members to deal with common issues including road repair, digging boreholes, ensuring community security and better management of common shared resources. As for the third objective the results indicated that mixed positive and negative effects emerged from social capital integration initiatives. Some negative effects included misuse of pooled resources, failure to repay loans leading to disassociation and loss of trust. The study concluded that social capital enhanced security through nyumba kumi initiative, conservation of natural resources; forest swamps areas, better education, improved food security, resource management (climate change, erosion control) and reduced vulnerability. The study recommended the need to intensify the implementation of policies that support the operations of groups and subsequently giving them force through structured frameworks and consequent stakeholder involvement. This would strengthen social capital integration which would in turn have a positive influence on socio economic livelihoods.