“The future for pastoralists is dark unless something is done”: illuminating the constraints and opportunities for a climate-resilient future for Kenyan pastoralists

Despite pastoralists’ contributions to local food systems in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, resource constraints, conflict, and climate emergencies are threatening pastoralists’ abilities to thrive. Climate-resilient strategies targeting pastoralists often fall short, and there are opportunities to improve how they are implemented. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the constraints hindering Kenyan pastoralists’ abilities to practice pastoralism and (2) identify opportunities to better support pastoralist communities. Photo elicitation and semi-structured interviews with Borana and Turkana pastoralists in Isiolo County were used to achieve these objectives from the perspective of the participants. Interview notes and transcripts were coded and analyzed by the study team to identify key themes. Participants described climate-related resource constraints and numerous economic, social, and political conditions, including lack of representation. These constraints and conditions made it difficult for pastoralists to employ traditional strategies and engage with climate-resilient alternatives. They explained that many pastoralists, particularly those from younger generations, were leaving pastoralist livelihoods for other opportunities. Although, many of these opportunities were inaccessible to the most marginalized. Improved distribution of resources that reflect pastoralists’ needs, as well as establishment of interventions that address underlying structural conditions, with a focus on those that are most marginalized, can improve the ability of pastoralists to secure climate-resilient livelihoods and contribute to sustainable food systems.