The rural population of semi-arid lands in Kenya face multiple challenges that result from population
growth, poor markets, land use and climatic changes. In particular, subsistence oriented farmers face
various risks and opportunities in their attempt to secure their livelihoods. This paper presents an
analysis on how livelihood assets and strategies of smallholders in Laikipia County, Kenya, have changed
within the last decade and discusses the implications for development interventions. The analysis is
based on bi-temporal data from 170 semi-structured household interviews in 1997 and a follow-up
survey of 30 households conducted in 2010. Well-being indicators were developed and livelihood
portfolios compared. The results show a striking persistence in low asset endowment for the majority of
smallholders from an aggregated perspective, whereas transitions into and out of better livelihood
conditions become evident from a household perspective. The investment in, and accumulation of,
conventional buffer or productive assets, such as grain stocks, livestock or land, does not shield
households from adverse shocks and stresses as smallholders were shown to easily slip back into
poverty. Household portfolios display particular constraints for smallholders in expanding natural
resource related activities and a substantial decrease in livestock numbers. While off-farm activities
could possibly increase well-being, the prevailing low income levels and high insecurity for the majority
who are engaged in off-farm employment, limits the ability to increase livelihood assets in the area.