Community based conservation and ecotourism as an environmental management practice for climate change adaptation in Ewaso Nyiro arid land ecosystem, Samburu County Kenya

Abstract

Communities inhabiting the fragile Arid and Semi-Arid (ASALs) ecosystems of Northern Kenya are strongly impacted by climate variability and change. Their pastoral livelihoods are threatened. Community based approach to environmental resources conservation and ecotourism have provided an alternative source of livelihood worth considering. This study was conducted in two districts; Samburu and Laikipia, Northern Kenya in three community based conservancies of Namunyak, Naibung’a and Westgate. The study used quantitative and qualitative participatory research design. The findings indicated that community based conservation and ecotourism indeed was an appropriate practice for community adaptation to climate change impacts in the ASALs. It offered opportunities for livelihood diversification away from pastoralism that was resilient enough to climate change, and provided the community with a sense of ownership for their resources and created community cohesion which is an important asset for rural community social capital. The study concluded that community based conservation should be looked at as a strategy for climate change adaptation and community resource management.