Understanding the Land Water Food Nexus in North West Kenya
This project focuses on disentangling the complex and interdependent landwater- food nexus dynamics between the Cherangany forest reserve and the semi-arid Kerio Valley regions of Elgeyo-Marakwet, in Kenya, exploring the potential implications for local biodiversity loss and livelihood resilience in the region.
It will collate, review and greatly extend existing research data to understand the land-water-food nexus in relation to both historic and potential future environmental changes.
Project partners
Led by ProfessorHenrietta Moore, University College London,
- Elgeyo- Marakwet County Council
- Eldoret University
- Marakwet Research Station
- British Institute in Eastern Africa
- National Museums of Kenya
- Kenya Forestry Service
There is increasing need for localised and grounded research so as to engage practically, and achieve a fuller understanding of the interconnections between local cultural and environmental resilience dynamics and to apply these understandings within practical policy making.
We will effect these aims for Forest Management and Agriculture, both of which build on existing collaborative strengths, and especially examine interrelationships of land, water and food security.
We will also review existing literature on regional climatic change and local weather station rainfall data to produce a practical understanding of how these key axes have and may respond to climatic fluctuation since both represent key resources for an uncertain future.
This research exploring the land-water-food nexus in the Elgeyo-Marakwet region will contribute to longer-term regional goals of developing local research capacities, encouraging appropriate natural resource management strategies, and devising regional policy frameworks that track and address emerging climate change impacts by bringing together experts, civil society, and policy makers.
Nexus in NW Kenya: thanks to Nisi Creatv on Flickr.
