The injustice of climate mitigation strategies on pastoralist communities in Kenya: An international law perspective
Posted: 19 August, 2024 Filed under: George Njogu | Tags: carbon trading, climate change framework policy, climate change mitigation strategies, climate finance, disease management, environmental justice, Food and Agriculture Organisation, global development objectives, global warming, government, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, injustice, international environmental law, international law, Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Association (KWCA), Kenya's State Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Kyoto Protocol, livelihood diversification, livestock, Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA), policies Leave a comment
Author: George Njogu
Kabarak University School of Law
Pastoralist communities in Kenya, whose livelihoods depend on livestock, are increasingly being required to reduce their herds as part of climate change mitigation strategies. While the intention behind these measures is to combat global warming and climate change, they disproportionately affect these communities, whose contributions to climate change are minimal compared to industrial activities in developed countries. This disparity raises significant concerns about fairness and equity under international law. This article seeks to explore the reason behind these mitigation practices and recommends a solution to the predicament.
Livestock accounts for approximately 10% of Kenya’s national gross domestic product (GDP) and over 50% of the agricultural GDP. The sector employs half of the agricultural labour force.[1] The primary stakeholders in this subsector are pastoralists and farmers, who primarily raise animals for food and income generation. For pastoralists, however, livestock also serves as a symbol of self-esteem and wealth within their communities.[2]
AfricLaw 