In Kenya, women are championing climate-resistant livestock farming
published on
03/12/2025
written by
Daisy Okiring
Daisy is a dedicated Environmental Journalist and Climate Advocate based in Nairobi, Kenya. She serves as the Managing Editor at LYMA Media and a Features Writer at Newsflash Kenya, covering climate change and sustainability. Passionate about storytelling and environmental justice, she uses her platform to inform global audiences on pressing environmental matters.
Across Kenya, women like Anne Nyaga, Lucy Obungu, Beatrice Nyandat, are leading the way in climate-resilient livestock farming. Their contributions highlight the transformative role women play in shaping sustainable agriculture. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must consider: how can we further strengthen women’s roles in climate adaptation to safeguard livelihoods and ecosystems for generations to come?
Climate change poses one of the biggest threats to global food security, and in Kenya, its effects on livestock production are profound. According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the frequency and intensity of droughts have increased by 50% in the past two decades, severely impacting livestock-dependent communities. Data from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) show that droughts affect over 4 million Kenyans annually, with women and children being the most vulnerable.
Women, who make up 34% of the agricultural labour force in Kenya, bear the brunt of these challenges as they are primarily responsible for livestock care, food production, and household nutrition. Despite their crucial role in the agricultural sector, they face systemic barriers, including limited access to land, credit, and agricultural extension services.
Studies indicate that rural women are disproportionately affected by climate disasters due to societal expectations and responsibilities such as fetching water over long distances during droughts, which exposes them to environmental hazards. Moreover, livestock losses during climate-related disasters exacerbate gender inequalities, as women depend heavily on these animals for income and sustenance. But how do Kenyan women contribute to climate-resilient livestock farming?
Women play a dominant role in Kenya’s agricultural sector, yet their contributions are often overlooked.
per cent of agricultural labour in Africa is provided by women, but they own less than 20% of the land. Source: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
per cent of food production in Kenya’s rural areas, yet they face significant disparities in resource allocation. Source: The World Bank
in 5 women-owned farms in Kenya have access to agricultural loans, hindering their ability to invest in climate adaptation strategies. Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS 2021 survey)
In Kenya, cultural norms and legal barriers restrict their access to land, credit, and technology, further limiting their productivity and resilience to climate shocks. Due to land ownership restrictions, many women are forced to work on family or communal land without security of tenure, limiting their ability to implement long-term sustainable farming practices.
In addition to this, financial institutions often require land titles as collateral, which disproportionately excludes women from accessing loans needed to invest in climate-resilient agricultural technologies, such as improved irrigation systems and drought-resistant fodder crops.
Rural women are particularly vulnerable to climate disasters due to their roles in household and farm management. They would traditionally be assigned the task of identifying sources and providing water for their families, venturing into the country’s semi-arid landscape. During droughts, they travel longer distances to fetch water for both domestic and livestock use, increasing their exposure to health risks. Water scarcity also forces women to spend more time caring for weak livestock, affecting their ability to participate in local markets or seek alternative income opportunities. Furthermore, as livestock caretakers, women must respond to climate-induced disease outbreaks that threaten the survival of their herds. Without adequate veterinary services or financial resources, women struggle to maintain herd health, leading to greater economic insecurity.
The realities of climate change continue to amplify the challenges and vulnerabilities of women. Source: Daisy Okiring
The impacts of climate change on livestock farming
Kenya’s livestock sector, which contributes approximately 12% of the national GDP, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Reports from the Kenya National Drought Management Authority indicate that over 1.5 million livestock perished in the 2021-2022 drought, leading to economic losses exceeding KSh 60 billion. Additionally, FAO estimates that 70% of smallholder farmers, primarily women, experienced a decline in livestock productivity due to climate variability. The impact of climate change on livestock includes reduced pasture availability, increased water scarcity, and a rise in climate-sensitive diseases such as Rift Valley Fever and East Coast Fever.
Women, as the primary caregivers of livestock, must navigate these challenges with limited resources. Government policies, such as the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Strategy, aim to address these issues,International initiatives, such as those by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), provide valuable frameworks for resilience-building but must prioritize gender-sensitive approaches.
To adapt to climate change, women farmers are employing various resilience-building strategies.
- Many are shifting to drought-resistant breeds and mixed farming systems to enhance food security, as noted in FAO reports.
- They are also leading community-based early warning systems and risk management initiatives, ensuring timely responses to climate-related disasters. The adoption of improved feeds, water conservation techniques, and climate-smart farming practices is increasingly being implemented to sustain livestock production.
- Women-led cooperatives play a crucial role in knowledge sharing and financial access, enabling members to implement sustainable farming techniques.
The African Women in Agriculture Research and Development (AWARD) initiative has been instrumental in training and equipping women with the necessary skills to adopt innovative farming methods. Organisations such as International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) support these initiatives through research and policy advocacy.
Several Kenyan women have emerged as leaders in climate resilience efforts.
Anne Nyaga, a former Chief Administrative Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, has been a strong advocate for youth and women in agriculture. Through the 4-K and Young Farmers clubs, she has empowered women to adopt sustainable livestock practices and access financial resources.
Another example is Lucy Obungu, a leader in Kenya’s blue economy and fisheries sector. Her work in fisheries and livestock farming has helped women integrate aquaculture into their farming systems, enhancing food security and economic resilience.
A uniquely inspiring story is that of Beatrice Nyandat, who has implemented Kenya’s National Aquaculture Strategy and Development Plan. Her efforts have ensured that women’s participation in fisheries and livestock farming is recognised in national policy frameworks.
These case studies illustrate how Kenyan women are driving change and resilience in livestock farming, despite systemic challenges.
Anne Nyaga with students from 4-K and Young Farmers clubs. Source: Daisy Okiring
Lucy Obungu with Blue Economy and Fisheries Principal Secretary (PS) and Ms. Betsy Njagi. Source: Daisy Okiring
- Policymakers, development organisations, and agricultural institutions must increase investment in women farmers through financial support, training, and technology to enhance climate adaptation strategies.
- Women’s leadership in disaster response should be actively promoted by ensuring their participation in policy formulation and implementation.
- Awareness campaigns should be strengthened to educate communities on the critical role of women in climate resilience and emergency preparedness. International donors and NGOs, such as the World Bank and the FAO, should prioritise funding for women-led initiatives that address climate adaptation in livestock farming.
- Strengthening women’s roles through policy support, financial investment, and increased awareness is essential for building a sustainable and resilient livestock sector in the face of climate change.
Women are indispensable in climate-resilient livestock farming and emergency preparedness in Kenya. Their knowledge, leadership, and adaptive strategies contribute significantly to food security and disaster management, making them central to the future of emergency preparedness strategies.
The road ahead: collaboration is key
To ensure long-term sustainability, collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector is necessary to create inclusive policies that empower women as key stakeholders in climate resilience efforts.
The Animal Echo aims to promote individual and collective understanding of animal health and welfare. We bring you insights and opinions from experts across the world. The opinions expressed in The Animal Echo are those of the author (s) and may not necessarily reflect WOAH’s official position.
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