Adaptive Strategies to Climate Change in ASAL Pastoral Communities of Northern Kenya
Global Scientific Journal
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Abstract: This study investigates climate change impacts and adaptive responses among pastoral communities in Kenya?s ASAL regions?specifically the Turkana and Somali pastoralists. Using a mixed-methods approach, including 200 household surveys and interviews, the research identifies adaptation practices such as livestock mobility, diversification, fodder storage, rainwater harvesting, and the integration of indigenous knowledge. It examines local and institutional strategies across ecological zones in northwestern and northeastern Kenya. The study also evaluates challenges to resilience, including water scarcity, policy gaps, limited infrastructure, weak livestock insurance uptake, and land tenure conflicts. It highlights gaps in national policy implementation and proposes recommendations around community-based rangeland governance, market access, and climate-resilient infrastructure.