Integrated landscape management for pastoralist economies in Kenya

Pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) continue to face increasing vulnerability driven by climate variability, land degradation, and fragmented resource governance systems. This publication examines the application of Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) as a holistic framework for promoting ecological sustainability and economic resilience in these fragile environments. Drawing on lessons from the Integrated and Climate Smart Innovations for Agro-Pastoralist Economies and Landscapes (ICSIAPL) project implemented in Kajiado, Narok, and Taita Taveta counties, the publication shows how ILM facilitated coordinated planning, strengthened multi-stakeholder collaboration, and improved natural resource governance. Key interventions included participatory landscape planning, sustainable rangeland management practices such as rotational grazing and reseeding, and capacity building for local institutions, all of which contributed to improved ecosystem services and adaptive capacities.

Experiences from the ICSIAPL project show that ILM can deliver measurable outcomes, including improved rangeland health, reduced resource-based conflicts, strengthened institutional linkages, and increased inclusivity in decision-making processes. However, critical challenges such as land tenure constraints, climate variability, gender dynamics, and coordination gaps can influence implementation effectiveness.