Realities of Emerging Challenges and Opportunities of Climate Change-Induced Events Among the Communities of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya

There are substantive thematic studies relating to the impact of climate change on Arid and Semi-Arid (ASALs) communities in Kenya. However, new trends and challenges imposed by climate events among the pastoralists are emerging, yet they haven’t been adequately addressed. This is delaying the attainment of the blueprint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 2 and 13, anchored on food security and climate actions, respectively. Therefore, this study explored the realities of emerging challenges and opportunities of climate change-induced events among the ASAL communities in Kenya. It specifically established the cost of climate events among the pastoralist communities, particularly in Laikipia County and examined the strengths of adaptive strategies to climate shocks among the pastoralists in the area. Behaviouralism Theory was relevant to this study. It emphasises the role of man- environment interaction because man’s understanding of the environment forms the behavioural foundation. It was a case study research considering the impacts of climate change-induced events in the study area, which are typical of other ASAL counties in Kenya. Qualitative data were thematically collected using 12 Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), 20 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and a guided observation schedule. Results showed that inclement weather events, including erratic rainfall, flooding, and very low nighttime temperatures, were common. Further, uncontrollable weeds like Opuntia stricta, climate change-driven livestock diseases, and vectors, in addition to environmental degradation, including soil nutrient depletion, were also evident in Laikipia County. Additionally, community-led climate actions were not comprehensive for adequate adaptation to climate shocks. The study recommends reduced carbon emission through a rapid destocking program tethered with alternative economic ventures like farming drought- resilience crops. Further, climate change adaptation funds should be administered to directly benefit locals who bear the brunt of climate events’ impacts.