Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into Climate Change Adaptation and Enhancing Food Security in Nandi and Keiyo Districts, Kenya

Abstract

The increasing changes in the frequency, intensity and persistence of rainfall and temperature extremes are key determinants of food security vulnerability in Kenya. Shorter growing seasons and prolonged intra-seasonal dry spells often trigger much larger and more frequent harvest collapses than subsistence households can cope with, leading to declining crop production and increased food insecurity risks. To survive these climate-induced shocks, communities in Nandi and Keiyo districts have developed indigenous practices that enable them reduce vulnerability to food insecurity and adapt to changing climatic conditions. Despite the critical role the indigenous knowledge system (IKS) plays in sustaining household food security, it is rarely considered or integrated into the design of scientific strategies for climate change adaptation. This paper highlights indigenous strategies used by the Nandi and Keiyo communities and explores opportunities for integrating IKS with scientific strategies for climate change adaptation in order to sustain efforts for climate change adaptation and food security risk reduction. Participatory rural appraisal comprising focus group discussions, key informant interviews and household questionnaire surveys were used in the study. The results indicate that while the impacts of climate change directly affect food security, most households integrate both indigenous and modern practices in adapting to climate change and coping with the resulting risks associated with food insecurity. As such, there is a need to reinforce the integration of indigenous and scientific techniques in order to enhance efforts for climate change adaptation, food security risk management and perpetuate intra/intergenerational transfer of IKS.