Climate change trauma and social-ecological resilience building: insights from pastoral women in Kenya

Introduction Climate change is increasingly affecting pastoral communities in sub-Saharan Africa through more frequent and severe droughts and floods, threatening livelihoods, food security, and mental well-being. Pastoral women and children are particularly vulnerable because of their dependence on livestock for nutrition, income, and cultural identity. This study assessed the psychosocial and livelihood impacts of climate change among pastoral women in Kenya and evaluated community-based interventions to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity. Materials and methods A mixed-method baseline survey was conducted among 1,138 women in Kajiado, Narok, and Taita Taveta counties following severe drought in 2022 - 2024. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements for 941 children below 10 years. In partnership with the county government, 401 women from 18 women's groups and 342 learners from five schools were trained in climate-smart mushroom and vegetable production. The impact of the interventions was evaluated among 194 women and 204 learners. Results Most baseline survey respondents (64%) were aged below 35 years, 74.3% depended on casual labor, and 13% had no source of income. Narok recorded the highest proportion of children (33%) with poor nutritional status. During the drought, 347 mothers reported being unable to feed their children, while 86% received no food assistance. The most reported impacts were mental health problems (58%), resource conflicts (45%), and starvation (40%). More than half (58%) expressed a need for mental health intervention and support. The introduced farming practices were new to most participants. Among the women trained, 87% rated mushrooms as highly acceptable and 45% incorporated them into household diets. Among learners, 83% participated in training and 39% practiced mushroom cultivation at school. Discussion and conclusion The interventions improved dietary diversity, promoted alternative livelihoods, and strengthened community resilience. Participants also reported increased hope, social cohesion, and confidence. These findings demonstrate that expanding livelihood options and demonstrating alternative ways to grow food and improve nutrition can reduce the collective trauma of communities already burdened by poverty, demographic pressure, early marriage, and pregnancy, while strengthening their resilience the next time prolonged drought strikes.