The landscape of Kiserian was beautiful—a stunning view of Lake Baringo and the surrounding mountains. The vegetation was green, tall, and abundant. Despite its beauty, we soon learned that these were weeds and poisonous for cattle. In fact, edible grass had stopped growing in several areas and has been replaced by leafy, poisonous weeds. When we go back to Kiserian later this month, I hope to find out the name (though it may not be in the local IlChamus language).

This example of biodiversity loss (exacerbated by climate change) has had a drastic impact on cattle, which these pastoralists are dependent upon for their livelihoods. Herders reported that when cows eat these weeds, their milk becomes abnormal and tastes different. As a result, those who consume the milk may get sick. Furthermore, herders will have a difficult time selling this milk at the market.

Looking out onto Lake Baringo from Kiserian

In line with this change in biodiversity, herders of both tribes lamented over an overall decrease in pastureland. For example, Lake Baringo was previously located 5-6km away from the IlChamus’ residential area in Kiserian. This primary water source had complimented the adjacent pastureland, whereby cows could graze and drink water in without traveling a far distance.

However, due to the Lake Baringo’s “rapid expansion” in 2019, ten square meters of pastureland has been washed over. While Lake Baringo has experienced periods of flooding for decades, it has doubled in area since 2010 and impacted 400,000 people. Climate change may be the largest contributor to lake expansion, while geologists also recognize additional causes such as land use changes that have “accelerated runoff and caused sediment to build up on lake bottoms.” As a result of the floods, IlChamus herders have had to take their animals to the mountainous areas to graze. This has led to confrontation and conflict with the Pokots, without stable conflict management measures in place.

Cows are also contracting new diseases that herders haven’t seen before. We learned that these cattle diseases manifest in eye problems, skin issues, and weakening bones. In addition, cows are requiring more water, mating less frequently, and producing less milk and meat. (In the past, one cow could produce 10L but now only 1L). We can infer that consuming harmful weeds and being subject to higher temperatures are correlated with these abnormalities.

In the past, herders were able to identify, treat, and manage diseases their cattle contracted. But we heard from the Pokot herders that this is now difficult. Herders may go to the veterinarian (when available and within distance) to get medicine, but this is costly and not guaranteed to alleviate illness.

They expressed that animal health issues should be addressed at the county level government. Nonetheless, because the Pokot and IlChamus tribes are underrepresented in county and national government, economically marginalized, AND lack the knowledge needed to understand their rights, this isn’t happening.

Young Pokot herders in colorful beads tell CPI about challenges facing their cows

Now, allow me to reference back to my blog on CPI’s Resource Advocacy Workshops. As described, these workshops help marginalized communities to recognize their needs and develop a plan to address them with the county government. In the case of cattle diseases, the need is animal healthcare. Though in the grand scheme of things, what these communities require is government financial and infrastructural support—to mitigate the impacts of climate change, expand access to profitable jobs, and work towards political inclusion.