“It is a grey area that should be green”: Towards more inclusive and conflict-sensitive natural resource management in Kenya
In Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) – which make up 80 per cent of the country’s landmass – most people earn a living through pastoralism. The pastoralist practice of keeping huge numbers of livestock can place stress on the land and increase environmental degradation. Climate-related events in these areas, such as drought or floods, also impact the availability of natural resources, increasing competition over these resources and reinforcing tensions and grievances.
We carried out research into how climate change and conflict in three of Kenya’s northern ASAL counties – Turkana, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet – interact with natural resource management systems and peace infrastructure. We spoke to community leaders, government officials and members of NGOs to understand how climate change and conflict affect different groups in the three counties – including women and young people – to promote a more inclusive approach. In this report, we outline our findings and provide recommendations for how national and county governments, NGOs and civil society organisations can support more effective management of natural resources to reduce conflict and ensure communities’ voices are heard.
Elizabeth Atieno, the lead researcher behind the report, talks about the project:
You can also read a Q&A on the project here.
