Turkana populations are made up of semi-nomadic agro-pastoralists, meaning they move when forced by lack of water, which is becoming increasingly common with climate change. But what happens if you implement agricultural and land management practices that retain water in the soil?
Turkana populations are made up of semi-nomadic agro-pastoralists, meaning they move when forced by lack of water, which is becoming increasingly common with climate change. But what happens if you implement agricultural and land management practices that retain water in the soil?
Turkana has two permanent rivers: Turkwel and Keiyo. During the drought season (the last lasted almost 4 years) the Turkwel River almost dries up. When the water dries up, the community of Atala Kamusio moves closer to the river where there is still some water.
Turkana has two permanent rivers: Turkwel and Keiyo. During the drought season (the last lasted almost 4 years) the Turkwel River almost dries up. When the water dries up, the community of Atala Kamusio moves closer to the river where there is still some water.
Livestock constitute a key element of the life of the Turkana people. This is both a contributor and victim of climate change, with overgrazing depleting soils and lack of water causing die-offs of cattle. The initiative promotes diversification of livelihoods to increase resilience.
Livestock constitute a key element of the life of the Turkana people. This is both a contributor and victim of climate change, with overgrazing depleting soils and lack of water causing die-offs of cattle. The initiative promotes diversification of livelihoods to increase resilience.
Through training and workshops on water management, diversified cropping systems and tree planting, NATURE+ provides local populations with fundamental skills to be more resilient in the face of climate change.
Through training and workshops on water management, diversified cropping systems and tree planting, NATURE+ provides local populations with fundamental skills to be more resilient in the face of climate change.
Water in particular is a central concern for all Turkana inhabitants who not only need it to irrigate agricultural fields, but also to drink. Through afforestation, the soil's capacity to store water and slow down rivers in the rainy season is increased.
Water in particular is a central concern for all Turkana inhabitants who not only need it to irrigate agricultural fields, but also to drink. Through afforestation, the soil's capacity to store water and slow down rivers in the rainy season is increased.

Turkana

Kenya

Kenya’s Turkana County, an arid and semi-arid land region, faces numerous challenges due to climate change, including erratic weather patterns, drought, and flooding.

The CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions has introduced interventions aimed at improving dietary quality and livelihoods. Here the initiative promotes polycropping systems to enhance biodiversity, improve diets, and increase incomes. At the same time, promoting land restoration with trees the initiative improves water availability and community resilience to climate change. By integrating vegetable production and trees, the initiative addresses nutrition gaps and fosters resilience against climate-induced food insecurity, ultimately helping Turkana’s nomadic communities to thrive.

 

Contact: Dr. Carlo Fadda, Nature Positive Solutions Initiative Coordinator, c.fadda(at)cgiar.org

Community

Operating Location: Turkana County
Traditional Name: Turkan
Area of Operation: 686,800,000 hectares
Coordinates: 3.3879° N 35.3606° E
Communities: Turkana People (Silvopastoralist nomadic community)

Description of the Area: Kenya’s Turkana County is one of the country’s arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) regions, characterized by low rainfall and erratic weather patterns due to climate change, resulting in droughts and floods. Like other ASAL areas, Turkana faces numerous challenges, including water and food shortages, malnutrition, poor access to amenities and healthcare, diseases, pest invasions, and conflicts over natural resources.

Most communities in Turkana are pastoralists, migrating with their livestock—mainly cattle, goats, and sheep—in search of water and pasture. It is a common misconception that the pastoralist communities of the world are constantly on the move. When Turkana pastoralists have access to water and green pasture they stay and build settlements. When climate and water availability do not support them, they migrate. This migration impacts communities in several ways. Children often drop out of school to accompany their families, moving to areas that lack amenities like health centers. Family nutrition suffers as they can only consume what is available in their new locations.

Challenges

Land Degradation

Erratic Rainfall

Traditional Knowledge (Declining)

Nutrition Insecurity

Water Storage (Decreased)

Animal Grazing

Project Goals

Kenya’s Turkana County faces numerous challenges due to climate change, including erratic weather patterns, drought, and flooding. These issues severely impact local communities, threatening their livelihoods and food security.

The initiative in Turkana prioritizes native tree planting and sustainable agriculture to conserve water, enrich soil fertility, and empower communities. It aims to improve air quality and safeguard biodiversity while contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, envisioning a sustainable future for these nomadic communities.

Air

The initiative promotes planting native trees, which play a crucial role in enhancing air quality. These trees act as natural air filters, removing pollutants and releasing oxygen, thus contributing to cleaner and healthier air for the communities in Turkana.

Water

By encouraging vegetable production and tree planting, the initiative aims at helping  water conservation. Native trees improve water retention in the soil and reduce runoff, ensuring more sustainable water sources for both agricultural and household use, critical in this arid region.

Soil

The introduction of polycropping systems and the planting of native trees, together with animal husbandry, enrich the soil with organic matter, reduce erosion, and enhance soil fertility. These practices lead to healthier, more productive soils, supporting sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration in Turkana.

Biodiversity

The initiative aims to safeguard and increase biodiversity by promoting the growth of native plants and vegetables, and introducing grazing practices that do not deplete soil health. This approach creates habitats for various species, fostering a diverse and resilient ecosystem that can better withstand environmental changes and pests.

Equity

The project emphasizes equitable access to resources and knowledge, ensuring that all community members, including vulnerable groups, benefit from improved nutrition and livelihoods. By involving local communities in decision-making and training, the initiative promotes social equity and empowerment.

Carbon

Native tree planting plays a key role in carbon sequestration, a crucial process in mitigating climate change. With the support of technological advancements, silvopastoralist communities in Turkana are encouraged to plant and nurture trees, thereby enhancing carbon sequestration efforts.

Stakeholders

The CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions carries out its activities in partnership with numerous international and local organizations in order to leverage collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and skills and achieve the maximum possible impact. In each region several CG centers take part in the activities by contributing their expertise for the success of the entire initiative.

CG CENTERS

PARTNERS

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The Nature-Positive Solutions platform is produced by The Lexicon with support from CGIAR, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, IWMI, IFPRI and CIP. Nature-Positive Solutions balance the needs of people and the planet, ensuring long-term ecological benefits, food security and livelihoods.

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