Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale, has emphasized the crucial role pastoralist communities play in advancing Kenya’s climate action efforts. Speaking at the Pastoralist Parliamentary Group (PPG) Leadership Retreat in Machakos, CS Duale highlighted the significant contributions of pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) toward achieving national environmental goals. The two-day retreat brought together key policymakers to discuss tailored climate strategies for pastoralist regions, which are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Challenges Facing Pastoralist Communities
Kenya’s pastoralist communities, who inhabit the ASALs that make up 88% of the country’s landmass, are disproportionately affected by climate change. CS Duale acknowledged the devastating impacts of recurrent floods and droughts on these communities, whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on livestock keeping. He pointed out that the worsening climate crisis has significantly eroded Kenya’s natural resources through land degradation and biodiversity loss, further threatening the survival of pastoralist communities.
“Worsening negative impacts of climate change, characterized by cyclic heavy flooding and droughts, have had devastating impacts on pastoralist communities whose lives largely depend on livestock keeping,” CS Duale noted.
In addition to climate-related disruptions, the pastoralist regions face land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and encroachment by invasive species like Prosopis Juliflora (commonly known as Mathenge) and Ipomoea hildebrandtii (Oltiameleteti), which affect the availability of grazing land for livestock. Prosopis Juliflora has infested 22 counties, while Ipomoea hildebrandtii is prevalent in Kajiado County.
Key Initiatives to Combat Climate Change
CS Duale outlined several key initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry to address climate-related challenges in the ASALs and enhance the resilience of pastoralist communities. Central to these efforts is the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative, an ambitious project aimed at restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2032.
“At the heart of our efforts is the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative, which aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2032. Pastoralist areas, which constitute 88% of Kenya’s landmass, are central to this initiative,” Duale said.
The initiative prioritizes rangeland restoration in pastoralist areas, which are home to 70% of Kenya’s livestock and 90% of its wildlife. Given the critical role of these regions in Kenya’s environmental landscape, nearly half of the restoration targets focus on rejuvenating rangelands, which are vital for both biodiversity conservation and pastoralist livelihoods.
“By restoring these rangelands, we aim to create climate-resilient landscapes that support pastoralist livelihoods and contribute to national goals of biodiversity conservation,” CS Duale added.
Strengthening Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
CS Duale also stressed the need for strong regulatory frameworks around land tenure, resource management, and conflict resolution in ASALs. He recognized the important role the PPG plays in developing effective policies that address the unique needs of pastoralist regions and pledged to work closely with the group to strengthen regulatory frameworks.
Land tenure issues and resource conflicts are longstanding challenges in ASALs, exacerbated by climate change and competition for dwindling resources. By working with the PPG, the Ministry aims to address these challenges through effective policies that promote sustainable land use and equitable resource sharing.
Call for Enhanced Climate Financing
CS Duale further underscored the need for enhanced financing to support climate action in pastoralist areas. He urged for greater advocacy to secure increased financial resources for projects that address the environmental and economic challenges facing pastoralist communities.
“Strengthening regulatory frameworks around land tenure, resource conflicts, and rangeland restoration as well as advocating for enhanced climate financing in these areas is crucial,” Duale stated.
The Cabinet Secretary’s remarks reflect the government’s recognition of the unique and pivotal role pastoralist communities play in Kenya’s broader climate action mandate. As the country faces escalating environmental challenges, the success of Kenya’s climate strategies will largely depend on the inclusion and empowerment of pastoralist communities to build resilient ecosystems and safeguard livelihoods.
In conclusion, the efforts spearheaded by CS Duale and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry mark a significant step toward addressing the unique needs of ASALs, recognizing the pastoralists’ vital role in Kenya’s environmental landscape, and fostering a sustainable, climate-resilient future for these vulnerable regions.
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