A devastating drought in Kenya has killed millions of livestock, forcing Maasai and other pastoralist communities to explore alternative livelihoods like fish farming and camel rearing.
The prolonged drought in Kenya has killed more than 2.6 million livestock, pushing pastoralists to reconsider their reliance on cattle.
The Maasai and other herders are turning to fish farming and camels, which are more drought-resistant, to cope with climate change.
The Kajiado government supports fish farming as a new source of income for pastoralists, with over 600 families participating.
Key quote:
“We never used to live near lakes and oceans, so fish was very foreign for us. We grew up seeing our elders eat cows and goats.”
— Kelena ole Nchoi, Maasai Council of Elders chair
Why this matters:
Shifting climates threaten traditional livelihoods, forcing communities to adapt to new sources of income and food. This transformation highlights the broader impacts of global climate change on cultural practices and food security.
The highest peak on the African continent has inspired locals and travelers alike over the centuries. But climate change is melting its ice cap and impacting those whose livelihoods are tied to it.
What's the best way to protect nature and restore what has been lost? A series of new scientific papers offer conflicting views on whether efforts should focus on individual species or ecosystems and point to the role humans can play in conserving landscapes.
Droughts have left herders in Laikipia desperate to find pasture for their cattle, and brought them into conflict with landowners. But better land management is showing that these pastoralist communities can adapt.
