Qualitative study reveals local innovation and female agency among pastoralists navigating pandemic restrictions, highlighting the power of traditional knowledge in crisis response.
This article explores the lived experiences of the Gabra pastoralist community in Kalacha, Kenya, during the COVID-19 pandemic, analysing how they navigated national restrictions. Using a qualitative approach focused on a local community leader’s perspective on her own community, it reveals women’s agency rather than their vulnerability. The findings highlight that policy measures inspired innovation by harnessing traditional knowledge and women’s leadership. This article uncovers the dynamic relationship between top-down governance and bottom-up resilience, emphasising the crucial role of local communities in responding to crises.
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Yaffe et al. (2026) studied this question.
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