Turkana County is located in the northwestern part of Kenya. The main livelihood system for the Turkana community is pastoralism, a livelihood system based on extensive livestock production. It is characterized by animal mobility and common use of natural resources; therefore, the community is nomadic and seasonally migrates long distances following the availability of water and grass for their animals due to the impacts of droughts and excess heat.
However, this dependence on climate (rainfall and temperature) and the frequent droughts, together with occasional but devastating floods affect all local community members, as water and food availability are altered.
Climate services’ current use, gaps and ideas for improving
National and local climate forecasts exist in the county, early warning messages and weather forecasts are considered by the community as helpful but are only used by some locals. Forecasts from indigenous seers are also used to supplement the forecasts received from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). However, forecasts (e.g. onset of rains) are perceived as unreliable and inaccurate, and not comprehensive enough. Additionally, the need for official forecasts to integrate local knowledge and forecasts is perceived.
There is a plan to establish a climate data centre for Turkana County, so as to integrate all historical data and current prediction services that are currently institutionally dispersed. All relevant stakeholders (including local communities) will be identified and involved in exploring local user needs and co-developing climate services and dissemination. The integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge/services from local seers and the inclusion of variables such as humidity and wind information in local forecasts are envisaged.
Experiences and Plans for Nature-based Solutions
Many nature-based solutions activities are practised in this hub area: Tree nurseries, beekeeping, pasture reseeding, gum resin collection, aloe vera propagation, agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture and pastoralism, rangeland conservation, etc. However, they had a bad experience with an introduced plant that turned out to be invasive (Prosopis Juliflora). Therefore, the need to educate stakeholders on the importance of prior research and collaboration seemed essential.
The aim in Turkana County is to continue or improve the uptake of pasture reseeding, rainwater harvesting, gum resin collection, climate-smart agriculture and pastoralism, and the establishment of a tree nursery. However, coordination with existing projects implementing nature-based solutions in the Hub area was considered essential to avoid duplication, increase efficiency and identify and create synergies. The partnership with Turkana University College will be used to provide specialised training to local communities.
Turkana county Hub, Kenya
Turkana, Kenya
- Region: North Eastern Africa
- Climate: Arid hot desert (BWh)
Turkana county Hub, Kenya
- Region: North Eastern Africa
- Climate: Arid hot desert (BWh)