Adaptive Strategies to Climate Change in ASAL Pastoral Communities of Northern Kenya

Abstract

Climate change significantly impacts pastoral communities in Northern Kenya's arid and semiarid lands (ASALs), particularly among the Turkana and Somali pastoralists. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns threaten traditional livestockdependent livelihoods, worsening food insecurity and economic stability. This study aims to assess the climate change adaptation strategies employed by these communities and evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions in supporting resilience. A mixed-methods approach was used, including household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with 200 pastoralist households. Results indicate that mobility, herd diversification, water conservation techniques, and alternative livelihoods are key adaptation strategies. However, challenges such as inadequate institutional support, weak policy implementation, and land tenure disputes hinder long-term resilience. The study concludes that strengthening community-based resource management, improving climate-resilient infrastructure, and integrating indigenous knowledge into policymaking are crucial for sustainable adaptation. Policy implications emphasise the need for tailored interventions that address socio-economic and cultural dynamics to enhance climate resilience in ASAL regions of Kenya.