Blog Climate, Peace and Security: Implementing cross-cutting strategies for climate resilience

The challenges of climate change go beyond disruption to our physical environment, as it also influences global peace and security. As ecosystems deteriorate due to global warming, communities living on arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) face heightened risks of conflict over scarce natural resources such as water and grazing land. Recognizing the connections between climate change, peace and security is essential for developing strategies that mitigate climate change while fostering peaceful conditions. 

In response to these challenges, the Alliance - through the Climate Resilience Initiative (ClimBeR) and in collaboration with the Climate Smart Agriculture Multi-Stakeholder platform (CSAMSP) - held a four-day workshop in Turkana County, Kenya, to finalize the pilot phase of the climate, peace, and security in agriculture course, and to establish a county CSAMSP platform, making Turkana the 24th county to do so. The workshop introduced the climate security nexus including the existing policy landscape; inclusivity in agriculture, peace, and security; climate-smart agriculture for peace; and digital tools to support climate action as crucial components of creating peace and security in agricultural communities and beyond.  

“The climate security course will introduce climate, peace, and security to the stakeholders participating in the workshop, allowing them to reflect on how climate change has impacted security in Turkana. The course catalyzes conversations towards building community resilience: a key objective of the ClimBeR initiative.”

Benson Kenduiywo - Climate Action Research Specialist

Turkana County is Kenya’s second-largest county, with a surface area of 98,597.8 km2. Located in the arid region of northwestern Kenya, agriculture faces significant challenges due to its harsh climate and soil conditions. Traditionally, most residents relied on livestock husbandry, but there has been a shift towards crop production. However, reliance on rain-fed agriculture and pastoralism makes farmers vulnerable to climate change and variability. 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries (MoALF) of Turkana is a key contributor to food security in the county, providing resources for the sustainable management of crops, livestock and fisheries for food security, socio-economic development, improved livelihoods and nutrition. The workshop was a timely initiative aligning with Turkana’s 'Agenda 9', focusing on strategic partnerships for food security.

The workshop gathered participants from the Turkana county government and NGOs working in the region. Together, they explored how drought can exacerbate cross-border conflicts, food insecurity, ecosystems, and conflict over land and resources. The CSAMSP will support the implementation and promotion of CSA practices that enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change, aiming improve food security and livelihoods. 

“The UNFCCC has recognized Kenya as one of the countries with a robust policy framework to support climate action. However, increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events has damaged livelihoods and communities, as people compete for scarce natural resources. Therefore, it is essential for climate policies to address these issues and incorporate CSA as a solution to climate-related conflicts.” Lydia Kimani TWG 3 Lead CSA-MSP and Executive Director, Agribusiness for African Market 

CSA contributes to peace by promoting efficient resource management - particularly in soil and water use - and providing tools and knowledge to respond to climate change, thus lowering the risks of climate variability. By focusing on sustainably increasing production in a climate crisis, CSA-inspired practices that consider wider contexts alleviate poverty and reduce social tensions, addressing underlying conflicts. Therefore, investing in CSA supports climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as offering new opportunities for economic development and livelihood diversification. 

To successfully address the intertwined issues of climate change, peace, and security, we must adopt integrated strategies that leverage the strengths of diverse stakeholders. The course also addressed embedding gender considerations to ensure that policies and initiatives are inclusive and recognize the distinct impacts of climate change on different genders, enhancing the sustainability of food security in Turkana. 

Building climate security and peace starts with understanding each person's vulnerability to climate change, and their role in society. A strong, sustainable food system, where everyone's voice is heard, allows communities to design solutions to adapt to the changing climate, thus reducing conflicts. That way, no one is left behind.

Wambui Muchaba- Programmes Director ICCASA and Daphne Muchai- Executive Director WoFaAK 

An Interim Steering Committee of approximately 15 people from both the Turkana County Government and surrounding NGOs was established to spearhead the CSA-MSP platform in the county. The agreed objectives were to facilitate the adoption of best practices for climate action, technologies, inputs, and services by practitioners in the agriculture sector,​ and resource mobilization for climate action to enhance gender and social inclusion in CSA programming and investment. The committee will also mainstream the monitoring, evaluation, and learning of CSA actions. 

“We are thankful to the Alliance for sponsoring this workshop. Introducing a climate security course in the context of agriculture takes into consideration the capacity building of staff. The Alliance supported us to understand CSA and how it connects with the climate- peace-security nexus in food systems. The CSA-MSP platform will feed into the ongoing discussion on food security in the county.”

Janerose Tioko - Chief Officer Agriculture and Land Reclamation MoALF