The Role of Indigenous Community Practices in Climate Change Adaptation in Kenya: A Case of the Swahili Community, Kilifi County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the Swahili community's traditional methods of adjusting to shifting climate in Kilifi County and advocate for them to be included in the various climate change adaptation policies. specifically, this study examined the role of Indigenous community practices in climate change adaptation in Kenya with a case of the Swahili community, Kilifi County. The study adopted a mixed methodology that includes qualitative and quantitative research methods. The first phase included a qualitative analysis of the secondary data capture the already documented indigenous practices by the Swahili community; furthermore, key informative interviews were conducted to record the knowledge of the experts such as elders and local experts. The second phase entailed surveys to assess climate change adaptation strategies among the Kilifi community while using convenience and purposive sampling to make it inclusive of the population. The last phase included the converging of the data collected through triangulation and thematic mapping which cross-referenced the findings to develop a unified narrative on the role of indigenous knowledge in climate change adaptation that will support the process of recommending ways in which these practices could be included during policy making. By validating local indigenous knowledge, this study will inform various stakeholders, such as the Kenyan government, scholars, and practitioners, when planning for climate adaptation strategies. This study promoted the preservation of traditional knowledge, which promoted social cohesiveness, and made the policy-making process more inclusive for Kilifi County's already marginalized Swahili people. The results showed that indigenous methods of improving resilience, food security, and environmental management, including intercropping, adaptive architecture, water management, and seasonal fishing limitations, continued to be successful. Nonetheless, issues with inadequate policy integration and knowledge transfer across generations continued to exist. In order to guarantee that indigenous knowledge is conserved, incorporated into climate policy, and maintained for upcoming generations, the study suggested systematic documentation, intergenerational cultural events, and improved government–community relationships.