Report: Women left behind in climate conflicts in Baringo

Women continue to bear the brunt of climate-induced conflicts in indigenous communities in Baringo County.

A report by Africa Centre for Sustainable and Inclusive Development on Participation of Women in Peace Building During Drought-related Climate-Induced Conflict, shows that when conflicts erupt, men tend to leave their homes first to confront aggressors or seek safety leaving women behind to care for their families.

The situation is worsened by the patriarchal norms of the communities, which disregard them as equivalents in peacebuilding initiatives.

The report launched on Tuesday focused on Endorois and Ilchamus indigenous communities in Baringo, which are geographically and numerically marginalized and where gender roles are traditionally defined.

The traditionally defined gender roles in the communities were also linked to the gender inequality in the impact of conflicts and peacebuilding initiatives.

The roles assigned to men include herding, fishing, and protecting the community, while women primarily engage in farming, domestic chores, and childcare.

“The women do not have time. In the past, women were always within the family, always within the family. They never had a chance to step out.

According to Juliet Nafula, the lead researcher, the gendered division of labour exacerbates women’s vulnerability as they bear the responsibility of safeguarding their families.

Baringo County faces recurring droughts and floods, which severely affect agricultural productivity and water availability.

These climate challenges contribute to food insecurity and economic hardship, straining local resources and increasing competition for water.

As a result, communities are displaced, triggering conflicts due to the influx of migrants.

For years, banditry and cattle rustling have become a serious security issue in Baringo, with organised gangs raiding livestock herds to compensate for losses due to drought or other climate-related events.

Additionally, disruption of education, particularly for girls, was also among the gendered impacts of climate-induced conflicts, with increased risks of early pregnancies and school dropout due to school closures.

“It is unfortunate that the children are involved as child soldiers. That means they are not staying in school. Most of the boys are dropping out of school as they move from one to another to herd,” said Salome Owuonda, the Executive Director, Africa Centre for Sustainable and Inclusive Development.

“You also find that the girls are staying out of school longer, and when it’s time to go back to school, it is too late, or they feel like they are older. “

Owuonda stated that they will work with the Parliament and counties to ensure that the policy framework is in place to promote inclusion of women.

To enhance gender inclusivity in peace building initiatives, the report recommended targeted women meetings where women and schools engage children on peace matters.