In Kenya, women are championing climate-resistant livestock farming

Across Kenya, women like Anne Nyaga, Lucy Obungu, Beatrice Nyandat, are leading the way in climate-resilient livestock farming. Their contributions highlight the transformative role women play in shaping sustainable agriculture. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must consider: how can we further strengthen women’s roles in climate adaptation to safeguard livelihoods and ecosystems for generations to come? 

Women play a dominant role in Kenya’s agricultural sector, yet their contributions are often overlooked. 

50 per cent of agricultural labour in Africa is provided by women, but they own less than 20% of the land. Source: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

In Kenya, cultural norms and legal barriers restrict their access to land, credit, and technology, further limiting their productivity and resilience to climate shocks. Due to land ownership restrictions, many women are forced to work on family or communal land without security of tenure, limiting their ability to implement long-term sustainable farming practices.  

In addition to this, financial institutions often require land titles as collateral, which disproportionately excludes women from accessing loans needed to invest in climate-resilient agricultural technologies, such as improved irrigation systems and drought-resistant fodder crops.

Rural women are particularly vulnerable to climate disasters due to their roles in household and farm management. They would traditionally be assigned the task of identifying sources and providing water for their families, venturing into the country’s semi-arid landscape. During droughts, they travel longer distances to fetch water for both domestic and livestock use, increasing their exposure to health risks. Water scarcity also forces women to spend more time caring for weak livestock, affecting their ability to participate in local markets or seek alternative income opportunities. Furthermore, as livestock caretakers, women must respond to climate-induced disease outbreaks that threaten the survival of their herds. Without adequate veterinary services or financial resources, women struggle to maintain herd health, leading to greater economic insecurity. 

To adapt to climate change, women farmers are employing various resilience-building strategies.

• Many are shifting to drought-resistant breeds and mixed farming systems to enhance food security, as noted in FAO reports.
• They are also leading community-based early warning systems and risk management initiatives, ensuring timely responses to climate-related disasters. The adoption of improved feeds, water conservation techniques, and climate-smart farming practices is increasingly being implemented to sustain livestock production.
• Women-led cooperatives play a crucial role in knowledge sharing and financial access, enabling members to implement sustainable farming techniques.

The African Women in Agriculture Research and Development (AWARD) initiative has been instrumental in training and equipping women with the necessary skills to adopt innovative farming methods. Organisations such as International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) support these initiatives through research and policy advocacy.

Several Kenyan women have emerged as leaders in climate resilience efforts.

Anne Nyaga, a former Chief Administrative Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, has been a strong advocate for youth and women in agriculture. Through the 4-K and Young Farmers clubs, she has empowered women to adopt sustainable livestock practices and access financial resources.

Another example is Lucy Obungu, a leader in Kenya’s blue economy and fisheries sector. Her work in fisheries and livestock farming has helped women integrate aquaculture into their farming systems, enhancing food security and economic resilience.

A uniquely inspiring story is that of Beatrice Nyandat, who has implemented Kenya’s National Aquaculture Strategy and Development Plan. Her efforts have ensured that women’s participation in fisheries and livestock farming is recognised in national policy frameworks.  

These case studies illustrate how Kenyan women are driving change and resilience in livestock farming, despite systemic challenges. 

• Policymakers, development organisations, and agricultural institutions must increase investment in women farmers through financial support, training, and technology to enhance climate adaptation strategies.
• Women’s leadership in disaster response should be actively promoted by ensuring their participation in policy formulation and implementation.
• Awareness campaigns should be strengthened to educate communities on the critical role of women in climate resilience and emergency preparedness. International donors and NGOs, such as the World Bank and the FAO, should prioritise funding for women-led initiatives that address climate adaptation in livestock farming.
• Strengthening women’s roles through policy support, financial investment, and increased awareness is essential for building a sustainable and resilient livestock sector in the face of climate change. 

Women are indispensable in climate-resilient livestock farming and emergency preparedness in Kenya. Their knowledge, leadership, and adaptive strategies contribute significantly to food security and disaster management, making them central to the future of emergency preparedness strategies.