Abstract:
Background: Climate change continues to intensify vulnerabilities across Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), threatening livelihoods, food security, nutrition, and community wellbeing. While agroecology and agroforestry are increasingly recognized as sustainable climate adaptation strategies, evidence on locally successful practices and the lived experiences that shape their adoption remains limited. This case study from Laikipia West Sub-County explores community driven agroecological and agroforestry initiatives to better understand how smallholder farmers are responding to climate change and the barriers they continue to face.
Methodology: Using a qualitative multiple case study design, the research was conducted in 3 villages across Laikipia County representing diverse agroecological zones. Nine purposively selected smallholder farming households (3 per village) participated in the study. Data were collected through 9 observation walks documenting farm practices, crops, livestock, and landscapes, 9 in-depth interviews exploring climate experiences and coping strategies, and case studies of agroecological and agroforestry practices. Data were analyzed thematically to identify community-led adaptation pathways, climate impacts, and resilience priorities.
Results and Discussions: Findings reveal that farmers have adopted diverse agroecological practices, including integrated crop livestock systems, agroforestry, soil and water conservation, crop diversification, and sustainable resource management. However, adoption is constrained by financial limitations, inadequate infrastructure, weak market linkages, and limited technical support. Beyond agricultural productivity, participants described climate change as an interconnected economic, nutritional, and mental health challenge, highlighting the psychosocial impacts of repeated crop failures, debt, and livelihood insecurity.
Conclusion and Recommendations: Laikipia County smallholder farmers use agroecological and agroforestry strategies to adapt to climate change. The community generated recommendations include scaling climate resilience, emphasizing investments in water infrastructure, affordable financing, extension services, youth engagement, market access, and integrated policy support. Communities envision a future where strengthened infrastructure and inclusive governance unlock the full potential of agroecology to deliver sustainable livelihoods, healthier ecosystems, and improved wellbeing.