Isiolo County Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2027

Abstract

Isiolo County faces significant challenges due to climate change impacts. The county falls into two ecological zones, the semi-arid and arid zones, and experiences a hot and dry climate for most months of the year, with two rainy seasons. Water scarcity is a significant issue, and the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on livestock and agro-pastoralism, faces food poverty and decreased yields due to climate hazards. Previous and ongoing efforts have been made to address these challenges, including pasture establishment, disease control, borehole construction, and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. However, limited access to water resources, inputs, and services, as well as unsustainable cultural practices, hinder farmers' adaptive capacity. Vulnerable groups, particularly youth and women, have low adoption rates of sustainable practices. Institutions also face constraints in delivering effective services due to limited funds and human resources. In Isiolo County, climate change impacts vary, affecting different groups during droughts. Women bear a disproportionate burden, responsible for household water and food security, while limited resources and decision-making hamper their resilience. Pastoralists suffer from water and forage scarcity, reducing livestock productivity, income, and food security. Displacement disrupts their traditional lifestyle. Agro-pastoralists face challenges in crop farming and livestock rearing, with reduced yields and food/income security. Sedentary farmers relying on rain-fed agriculture experience reduced crop production and vulnerability due to insufficient rainfall and limited access to irrigation. Resource constraints hinder adaptation efforts, affecting farmers' ability to cope with climate change.