Article by Hillary Kitel.

In the vast and arid landscapes that stretch across the Kenyan-Ugandan and South Sudan borders, a pressing concern demands our attention – climate change-induced violence among pastoralist communities. These communities, often living at the intersection of tradition and environmental change, are grappling with a complex and increasingly perilous situation.

The heart of the matter lies in the relentless transformation of their environment –  Climate change, with its shifting patterns of rainfall, prolonged droughts, and erratic weather events, has disrupted the delicate equilibrium upon which these pastoralist societies have relied for centuries. Traditional grazing lands and the once-reliable sources of water are now rendered unpredictable, diminished, or altogether inaccessible.

Livestock at a watering hole in Kacheliba, West Pokot County. Photo Credits

This environmental upheaval has set the stage for an alarming escalation in competition. Pastoralist communities, who have long depended on these natural resources for their livelihoods, now find themselves in fierce competition for what has become a finite bounty. As the scramble for these dwindling resources intensifies, tensions mount, and conflicts erupt among these communities.

But the issue runs deeper than resource scarcity alone. It strikes at the very heart of their way of life and survival. Diminishing pasturelands force herders to traverse deeper into neighboring territories, triggering territorial disputes and clashes over grazing rights. Similarly, the battle for access to shrinking water sources, vital for their livestock’s survival, has become a source of heightened tensions.

Moreover, climate change doesn’t merely disrupt the pastoralist way of life; it affects their economic stability as well. Livestock, which forms the backbone of their economy, faces dire consequences in the face of prolonged droughts, floods, or disease outbreaks. The resulting decline in livestock health and productivity translates into economic stress, leaving communities with few options. In this desperate struggle, some resort to raiding or livestock theft as a means of survival, further fueling conflicts.

The implications of climate change-induced violence are profound and far-reaching. They extend beyond the loss of lives and property. These conflicts lead to the displacement of entire communities, disrupting the social fabric and eroding the bonds that have held these societies together for generations. In many instances, they perpetuate a tragic cycle of violence, creating significant obstacles to development and impeding peacebuilding efforts in these already vulnerable regions.

Effectively addressing climate change-induced violence requires a multifaceted approach. It involves building resilience among pastoralist communities, resolving conflicts through dialogue, fostering cross-border cooperation, diversifying livelihoods, and mitigating climate change itself. These measures are not only vital for the well-being of these communities but also for the broader goal of global climate action and sustainable peace in these regions.

These conflicts arise due to several factors. First, diminishing pasturelands force herders to encroach on neighboring territories, triggering territorial disputes and clashes over grazing rights. Similarly, water scarcity exacerbates tensions as communities compete for access to dwindling water sources, vital for their livestock’s survival.