The world is facing unique challenges that affect the productivity and sustainability of the economic and social systems. One of the current pressing global issue, among others, is to guarantee food security and build resilience for a growing population while ensuring sustainable progress and development that is inclusive. However, Climate change and global warming have posed a challenge to achieving food security and sustainable development and this has been further exacerbated by conflicts, rising food prices and other activities that damage ecosystem services that many communities depend on for their economic and social progression.
The economic and social impacts of climate change coupled with other regional and global dynamics have compromised the quality of livelihoods and coping ability among the ASAL populations further amplifying their ability to cope. Kenya, and in particular the ASAL areas are equally prone to natural disasters like droughts, floods, animal and human diseases and pandemics. Recent disasters, such as the 2021/22 severe drought in the Horn of Africa and subsequent floods have exposed community vulnerabilities and consequently increased the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Humanitarian agencies are stretched in terms of human, technical and financial capacity. Interestingly, in most of these emergencies, local actors have been first to respond, are acquainted with the situation, social - cultural context and nuances and are able to act and collaborate with communities before, during, and after disasters. During the recent 2022 severe drought in ASAL Kenya, local communities were, in most cases, the first and last responders through their own existing locally based structures and systems. Many local communities have a strong social cohesion and are interdependent (culture of being ‘your brother’s keeper’) and will mostly reach out to support each other. Community-led initiatives during crisis response are a unique approach that addresses a community’s immediate challenge by supporting and building upon their existing structure, systems, strengths and opportunities.
