In Northern Kenya, age old traditions combat climate change and help minimise conflict

“As climate change continues to devastate the livelihoods of pastoralist, it has become inevitable that the management of local resources is returned to local people whose age-old systems had ensured long-term survival of the livestock-based economy,” says Gathuru Mburu, Programmes Manager with Kivulini Trust, in an article by the Daily Nation.

According to the article, besides developing a livestock watering schedule for different community members, the community has been able to avoid disputes prevalent in many parts of Upper Eastern and Northern Kenya. Embedded in the community are rules related to use and access of pastures, water and other resources and that elders are always on standby to arbitrate in case of simmering conflict.