Agriculture and Climate Change in Kenya: Climate Chaos, Policy Dilemmas
Future Agricultures Consortium
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Abstract: This paper delves into the evolving policy discourse concerning climate change and agriculture in Kenya, a nation at the forefront of national climate change strategy development, with a particular emphasis on the agricultural sector. The study probes the interplay of diverse actors and their competing interests within this context. It aims to illuminate the various arguments being put forth, their proponents, and the ramifications for Kenya's agricultural landscape. Understanding these actors, their interests, and the narratives through which they mobilize support is crucial, as it influences the support local farmers receive and how their concerns are considered within the policy framework. The paper examines key policy documents, narratives, and actor clusters related to climate change and agriculture, along with their practical implications. Within Kenya, there's a considerable government commitment to climate change initiatives, particularly through the National Climate Change Response Strategy and the National Climate Change Action Plan. The dominant narratives primarily revolve around safeguarding food security and agricultural resources from climate impacts, alongside the pursuit of carbon funding opportunities. While donor-supported endeavors are underway, various NGOs and private entities are also emerging as influential players. Yet, the agricultural sector's nascent engagement with climate change presents challenges in terms of policy cohesiveness, international funding uncertainty, and potential biases towards certain interest groups. The paper contends that this lack of coherence threatens long-term policy objectives. To address this, it calls for more integrated cross-government policies beyond existing strategies, aiming for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach that accommodates various viewpoints, especially considering how current initiatives may favor specific interest groups.