Pastoralists Crucial to Kenya’s Climate Action, Says CS Duale
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Aden Duale, emphasized the vital role of pastoralist communities in Kenya’s climate action initiatives during the opening of a two-day Pastoralist Parliamentary Group (PPG) Leadership retreat at Machakos Hotel.
Duale acknowledged the increasing severity of climate change impacts, including recurrent droughts and floods, which have devastated the livelihoods of pastoralists who rely heavily on livestock. He pointed out that these communities inhabit the country’s most vulnerable arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), which comprise 88% of Kenya’s landmass.
“The worsening climate crisis threatens not only pastoralist livelihoods but also the natural resources of our nation through land degradation and biodiversity loss,” Duale stated. He outlined several initiatives the Ministry is implementing to combat these challenges, highlighting the ambitious 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative. This project aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2032, with a significant focus on rangelands crucial for both pastoralists and wildlife.
“These regions are home to 70% of our livestock and 90% of our wildlife, making them essential for our national biodiversity conservation goals,” Duale added. He underscored the importance of restoring these ecosystems to foster climate-resilient landscapes that can sustain pastoralist communities.
Additionally, Duale addressed the issue of invasive species, such as Prosopis Juliflora and Ipomoea hildebrandtii, which threaten local ecosystems in 22 counties, including Kajiado. He assured attendees that the Ministry is committed to managing these invasive plants as part of their broader strategy.
The Cabinet Secretary also praised the PPG for its critical role in shaping policies that cater to the unique needs of pastoralist regions. He pledged to collaborate closely with the group to enhance regulatory frameworks around land tenure and resource conflicts while advocating for increased climate financing to support these initiatives.
The retreat aims to galvanize support for effective climate action strategies that recognize and empower pastoralist communities as key stakeholders in Kenya’s environmental resilience efforts.
Post Author
