Climate Change Impacts on Food Systems and Health: Building Resilience and Adaptation in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya – Experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders gathered at Kenyatta University on October 24 to discuss the escalating effects of climate change in Kenya and evidence-based policies and strategies that can build resilience and adaptation in its citizens. The conference, Climate Change Resilience, Adaptation, and Its Impacts on Food Systems and Health in Kenya, was co-hosted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and Kenyatta University. 

Kenya grapples with severe climate-related challenges, from extreme temperatures to prolonged droughts and destructive floods, all of which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. The conference underscored the pressing need for coordinated action between researchers and policymakers to mitigate these impacts and foster long-term resilience across the nation.

“In 2024, Kenya experienced unprecedented climate events, including record-breaking temperatures in Nairobi and the devastation of El Niño floods, which claimed over 300 lives and displaced nearly 300,000 people. Climate change is no longer an abstract threat, it is a reality that we must confront now. We need swift and decisive action to safeguard our future and build a more resilient society,” stated Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, Principal Secretary, State Department of Environment and Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry.

Dr. Ng’eno highlighted the government’s key initiatives, including the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2023–2027, aimed at tackling the climate crisis head-on. He emphasized the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, disaster risk management strategies, and community-based interventions to manage climate-sensitive diseases, such as malaria.

“Our government is implementing measures that not only address the current crisis but also create sustainable jobs and stimulate economic growth. By investing in climate-smart agriculture and health interventions, we can protect our people while also driving long-term development,” added Dr. Ng’eno.

The conference addressed two primary themes: the impact of climate change on food systems, and public health. Kenya’s agriculture sector, heavily reliant on consistent weather patterns, is facing significant challenges due to shifting climate conditions. Participants discussed solutions such as drought-resistant crops, advanced irrigation techniques, and climate-smart farming to stabilize food production and reduce vulnerability.

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Christine Kiecha and Waceke Wanjohi

“AIR is proud to have co-hosted this convening with Kenyatta University,” said Christine Kiecha (right, with Prof. Waceke Wanjohi), managing director for AIR’s Kenya office. “We’re seeing and experiencing the devastating effects of climate change in Kenya and throughout the region and it’s a priority for our team of researchers and technical assistance leaders to collaboratively find, study, and help implement solutions.” 

Panelists also explored the rising prevalence of vector-borne diseases like malaria, as well as waterborne illnesses such as cholera, which are becoming more common due to changes in climate. Malnutrition was another key concern, with experts stressing the urgent need for a more resilient health system that can protect communities from the compounding effects of climate change on public health.

“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it impacts every aspect of our lives—from agriculture to health, to water resources and infrastructure. A multidisciplinary approach is essential if we are to develop comprehensive solutions capable of meeting the challenges posed by climate change,” said Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University.

The conference formulated actionable recommendations aimed at shaping national policies and strategies that will help Kenya adapt to the ongoing climate crisis. One outcome was the understanding that climate change research requires moving from identifying problems to producing solutions to ensure policy-relevant research. This requires examining the impacts of social protection programs for populations that did and did not experience droughts and floods.

“The work being done in Kenya to address and adapt to the effects of climate change will not only improve the lives of its citizens by fostering a healthier, more sustainable future, but it can also serve as a blueprint for other countries and communities across Africa and beyond,” said David Seidenfeld, Senior Vice President for AIR. “Today’s discussions marked an important step in identifying successful strategies and exploring innovative solutions.”

Kenya and other African nations face significant challenges from extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. By integrating survey data from impact evaluations with remotely sensed weather data, Kenya can better adapt to these issues. For example, AIR's collaboration with the World Bank and the Nigerian government assessed the impact of women’s savings groups. The findings showed that savings groups had a greater positive effect on women’s livestock ownership after droughts and floods, illustrating the powerful combination of impact evaluation data and weather insights in building climate resilience.

About AIR
Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and the workforce. AIR's work is driven by its mission to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.air.org

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