Tropentag, September 10 - 12, 2025, Bonn "Reconciling land system changes with planetary health"

Hotspots for integrated solutions in Kenya

¹Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Multifunctional Landscape, Colombia
²Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Climate Action
³GIZ, Agricultural Research for Development (BEAF)
⁴International Livestock Research Institute, Sustainable Livestock Systems
⁵International Livestock Research Institute, Livestock, Climate and Environment, Kenya
⁶International Livestock Research Institute, Livestock, Climate and Environment, Kenya
⁷International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Climate Action, Colombia
⁸The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT, Multifunctional Landscape, Colombia

Abstract

As the impact of climate change increases, it is vital to implement integrated solutions to address the heightened security risks associated with it. Kenya's economy is heavily reliant on the agricultural sector, which also represents the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly in the livestock industry. The sector's vulnerability to climate shocks and long-term changes places additional pressure on Kenya's food security, pushing already vulnerable lands into crisis. Furthermore, the vulnerable arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya are particularly susceptible to conflict, which is further exacerbated by resource constraints due to climate change. Given the finite nature of government resources, it is crucial to identify areas where integrated interventions can deliver on multiple objectives, including improving food security and reducing resource-use conflicts, while simultaneously contributing to climate change mitigation and development goals. By employing spatial analysis to map emission sources and conflict hotspots, we found that most of conflict events reported in Kenya are not directly linked to the agricultural sector. A deeper understanding of the underlying motivations driving the diversity of conflicts in these areas is essential to comprehending their dynamics within the broader context of climate change and sustainable development. For conflict events relating to the agricultural sector, we have identified 11 wards, primarily situated in Isiolo, Samburu, and Nandi counties. These wards can be strategically prioritised to promote a harmonised approach to climate action and conflict management. By incorporating this evidence into policy frameworks, Kenya can more effectively operationalize its commitments to low-carbon development, sustainable resource management, and conflict resolution, ensuring these strategies are tailored to the unique challenges of conflict-prone and climate-vulnerable regions.

Keywords: Agriculture. , climate change, conflict, peacebuilding, policy, sustainable development

Contact Address: Diana María Gutiérrez Zapata, Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Multifunctional Landscape, Km 17 recta cali-Palmira CIAT, 763537 Palmira, Colombia, e-mail: d.m.gutierrezcgiar.org