IMPACT_KENYA

The future of land restoration and climate resilience depends on the communities that have safeguarded these landscapes for generations.

As part of ’s Road to and the launch of the Silk Road Caravan 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, IMPACT Kenya is proud to contribute to global conversations reconnecting policy, Indigenous knowledge, and pastoralist stewardship.

Today, our colleague joins the dialogue as a panelist, sharing perspectives from pastoralist communities and locally led restoration efforts across Kenya’s drylands.

Women and Biodiversity

Pastoralist women are at the heart of biodiversity protection and ecosystem resilience. Through indigenous knowledge passed across generations, they preserve seeds, protect medicinal plants, manage livestock, sustain food systems, and safeguard the delicate balance between communities and nature.

Across rangelands, women continue to restore degraded landscapes, conserve natural resources, and strengthen livelihoods in the face of climate change. Their leadership and daily stewardship play a critical role in sustaining biodiversity and resilient ecosystems.

As the world marks the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists , we recognize the vital role pastoralist women play in protecting rangelands, ecosystems, culture, and future generations.

The Women's Economic Empowerment and Resilience in Pastoralist Communities ( WEERESP+) project reflects an important step towards strengthening women’s economic empowerment, household nutrition, and sustainable value chains across Northern Kenya. By supporting community-driven cooperatives, inclusive markets, and climate-adaptive approaches, we can unlock greater opportunities for pastoralist communities while building long-term resilience.
As conversations around sustainable development continue to evolve, investments in women-led systems and local economies remain essential for creating lasting impact across Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit, and Isiolo counties.

We appreciate the engagement with Samburu County Government and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing inclusive and resilient futures for pastoralist communities.

Across landscapes worldwide, the health of our land is deeply tied to the knowledge, resilience, and leadership of Indigenous and local communities.

That’s why this moment matters.

IMPACT Kenya is part of the Organizing & Knowledge Committee for the Global Landscapes Forum Africa 2026—and will contribute to the Opening Plenary shaping the conversations ahead.

As the world marks the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists hashtag this conversation becomes even more urgent—recognizing the vital role pastoralist systems play in sustaining ecosystems, economies, and cultures.

Lasting progress on climate, food, and sustainability depends on recognizing and working alongside the communities who have cared for these landscapes for generations.

Join us in these conversation.

Explore more insights and our work: ➡️ www.impactkenya.org

How can pastoral livestock value chains create greater opportunities for women, strengthen local economies, and build resilience in the face of climate change?

This question is at the heart of a new journey IMPACT Kenya has begun through the Women’s Economic Empowerment and Resilience in Pastoralist Communities (WEE-RESP+) project.

At its core, WEE-RESP+ seeks to support pastoralist women to become stronger market actors, improve household nutrition, and help build climate-resilient systems that foster long-term economic empowerment across Northern Kenya.

These first engagements are helping surface insights around goat milk production systems, gender dynamics, market opportunities and the strengths that already exist within communities.

+ Gates Foundation

Climate change and shrinking economic opportunities continue to place pressure on the future of Indigenous youth across Northern Kenya. But within communities in Laikipia and beyond, a different story is taking shape.

The Maiyanat Indigenous Youth Life Skills, Arts and Culture Development Centre is creating real opportunities for young people through apprenticeship pathways grounded in community realities. Through practical, hands-on learning, youth are building the confidence and capacity to shape their own futures while remaining rooted in their communities and strengthening local resilience.

The Youth Skills Roadshow & Exhibition builds on this work by creating a shared space where skills are seen, understood, and valued. More than a showcase, it is a collective moment where learning, opportunity, and partnership come together to support locally driven solutions for the future.

Come learn, support, collaborate, and invest in the potential of Indigenous youth driving change from within their communities.