Community Engagement in Climate Change and Adaptation in Kenya: A Socio-Anthropological and Linguistic Perspective

Community engagement and participatory approaches are essential for effective climate adaptation in Kenya, particularly when integrating local communities into resilience-focused efforts that consider cultural and linguistic diversity. This review employs a desktop methodology, guided by a theoretical framework rooted in participatory action research, cultural anthropology, and the CSAM (Cultural-Sustainable Agroforestry Model (CSAM)), to synthesize key studies on climate adaptation in Kenya. It examines how local stakeholders are integrated into planning and resilience programming, with a focus on the importance of indigenous knowledge and cultural contexts in shaping effective adaptation strategies. The review highlights the crucial role of communication strategies in disseminating climate information and fostering community engagement, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches that resonate with diverse linguistic and cultural groups. Practical insights show that participatory, culturally informed strategies are central to building community resilience and promoting sustainable development in the face of climate challenges. The review concludes that effective climate adaptation requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes community engagement, culturally appropriate methods, and robust communication to ensure locally relevant and sustainable adaptation measures. Furthermore, the adoption of the CSAM model is essential for integrating indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and modern scientific approaches, ensuring that local contexts are central to the adaptation process. Recommendations include enhancing participatory planning, incorporating indigenous knowledge systems, strengthening communication channels, addressing vulnerability hotspots, and integrating adaptation into broader development planning. The review calls for further research that employs mixed-methods approaches to assess the long-term impacts of climate adaptation, evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, document indigenous knowledge, and explore cross-regional comparisons to support climate adaptation efforts in Kenya