Kenya is currently experiencing a protracted drought in the Horn of Africa, which is exacerbating land use conflict in the north of Kenya’s Rift Valley region. The Rift Valley region of Kenya is home to various ethnic groups, each of which has its own claims to land and resources, and has been plagued by conflict for decades, rooted in historical tensions and land disputes.
The conflict is largely driven by competition for the exploitation of natural resources such as land and water by powerful interests that take advantage of weak governance structures to gain control over valuable resources. A series of failed rainy seasons in northern Kenya and the subsequent drought have intensified this competition among herders, farmers, and conservancy owners, often leading to violent conflict.
Kenya has experienced a general warming trend since 1960, which is expected to continue, making it highly vulnerable to climate change. Analysis of climate trends in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) areas shows an increase in temperature and a decrease in rainfall between 1977 and 2014.
Climate change has a significant impact on human rights, it is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, including droughts, which threaten the effective enjoyment of a range of human rights. When drought becomes severe in agriculture-reliant countries with underdeveloped infrastructure, it can lead to economic crisis, food shortage and insecurity.
Despite some reported rains in parts of Kenya by the end of March 2023, the conditions are not likely to recover quickly and the government is facing an increased burden to ensure access to water, food, health, and security for its population. The effects of drought on agriculture and livelihoods are particularly severe in the country, where the economy is largely dependent on rainfed agriculture and tourism, both of which are susceptible to climate change and extreme weather events.
Pastoralists and herders, who are dependent on livestock are identified as being extra vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, exhibiting specific vulnerabilities. The situation is also particularly dire for vulnerable populations, such as women and girls, who are at increased risk of sexual violence due to the lack of access to water and sanitation facilities.
During the 2007-2008 election cycle, violence erupted in the region, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more. The violence was largely driven by political tensions, with different ethnic groups aligning themselves with different political parties. The conflict has created a sense of insecurity and mistrust among different ethnic groups, making it difficult to build a cohesive national identity. Climate change and resource scarcity have only added to these challenges of land disputes, creating a situation that is difficult to resolve, and has led to the migration and displacement of communities in the Rift Valley region.
Pastoral communities in northern Kenya, southern Sudan, and southern Ethiopia have been in conflict over access to pasture and water during drought period. In times of scarcity, pastoralists in northern Kenya have deployed social institutions that mediate cooperation and guarantee access rights to resources. However, as droughts become more frequent and severe, these institutions may not be enough to prevent displacement and conflict.
The severity of the drought and its implications for the future are concerning. Although Kenya is responsible for less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the government has implemented comprehensive laws and policies to guide climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Additionally, along with international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Food Programme, the government has been working to provide food, water, and medical assistance to those in need. However, it still faces significant challenges in addressing the impact of climate change on its citizens.
The current international response to the drought has been focused on providing emergency relief to those affected by the crisis. Additionally, research and advocacy efforts are being undertaken to address human rights harms caused by environmental degradation, particularly for groups in vulnerable situations.
However, the severity and duration of the drought have highlighted the need for long-term solutions to address the root causes of the crisis. To effectively address the human rights implications of the Kenya drought and climate change, it is crucial to take a comprehensive approach that involves international cooperation and support, as climate change predictions for Africa suggest that water scarcity will increase, leading to a higher risk of violent conflict and displacement of communities.
Solutions to address the situation must be multifaceted, including research and advocacy to address human rights harms caused by environmental degradation, implementing long-term strategies to address the impact of climate change on human rights and providing humanitarian aid and support to those affected by the drought. It is essential to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, such as women and girls, in all efforts to address the impact of the drought and climate change on human rights
Proposed strategies to address the drought and its impacts include improving water management and conservation practices, promoting sustainable agriculture, investing in renewable energy sources, and building of infraestruture. Developing sustainable resource management strategies that prioritize the needs of all communities involved in resource competition is crucial to mitigate conflict. Additionally, conflict resolution strategies that take into account the effects of climate change and drought on resource competition and migration should be developed to prevent displacement and promote peaceful coexistence.
These efforts are crucial in mitigating the impacts of the drought and building resilience for future crises. Governments and businesses must identify their vulnerability to drought and improve resilience by preparing for both future droughts and climate change impacts. By addressing the root causes of the drought and investing in long-term solutions, we can help prevent future crises, ensure the human rights of those affected and prevent escalation of conflicts.
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By The European Institute for International Law and International Relations.
