Climate

Drought reshapes livelihoods of Kenya’s Daasanach pastoralists, study finds

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 10/11/2026, 18:09:24 UTC.

Briefings

A 2026 study by Mongabay documents the worst 40-year drought in Kenya's Daasanach pastoralists from November 2020 to March 2023. Researchers surveyed 515 adults and 384 children in Lake Turkana communities, tracking livestock drops from 24 sheep/goats per household to just eight by 2023. Families moved to Illeret for food aid, and nutrition worsened as milk and meat consumption fell. Children without milk access showed significantly worse nutrition outcomes compared to those with access.

Key points

• Livestock herds dropped from an average of 24 sheep and goats per household to just eight by 2023.
• Children without access to milk had significantly worse nutrition outcomes compared to those with access.

Context

The Daasanach are pastoralists in northern Kenya with semi-nomadic lifestyles for over 6,000 years. Their livelihoods depend heavily on livestock, which are central to their economy and food security. This study examines how extreme drought impacts their culture and access to food.

Limitations

Data covers only the period November 2020 to March 2023. Recovery by 2024 was minimal. Long-term effects beyond 2024 are unknown. Preprint status means findings may not be fully validated.

Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 11/11/2026, 01:51:38 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.

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