# Historic drought shifted fishing from a stigmatized practice and food to an adaptive livelihood among Daasanach pastoralists in northern Kenya

## TL;DR

A historic drought in northern Kenya led the Daasanach people to adopt fishing as a respected and essential livelihood, shifting from a stigmatized practice to a key adaptation strategy.

## Contribution

This study reveals how drought-induced food insecurity transformed the social and economic role of fishing among Daasanach pastoralists.

## Key findings

- Fishing transitioned from a stigmatized coping strategy to a respected livelihood with social status.
- Fish became an accepted staple protein after widespread livestock loss during the drought.
- Fishing enabled economic adaptation, including food purchases, asset rebuilding, and women's economic autonomy.

## Abstract

Droughts disrupt livelihoods, forcing populations to adapt. This study examines how drought-driven livelihood stress is shifting Daasanach pastoralists’ perceptions of and engagement with once stigmatized practices—fishing and eating fish—in northern Kenya.

This study used mixed methods within the Daasanach Human Biology Project to assess variations in fish consumption and dietary patterns across pre-drought, drought, and post-drought periods. Qualitative data gathered through six focus group discussions (FGDs) provided insight into experiences of food insecurity, coping strategies, and livelihood adjustments, thereby enriching the interpretation of previously collected quantitative trends in fish consumption.

Between 2019 and 2024, the onset of a historic drought led to increased fish consumption that persisted post-drought. Findings reveal four interrelated themes. First, fishing changed from a stigmatized coping strategy associated with poverty to a respected livelihood conferring social status. Second, food insecurity catalyzed diversification in food culture, with fish becoming an accepted staple protein following widespread livestock loss. Third, fishing functioned as a pathway to economic and social adaptation, enabling households to purchase food, rebuild assets, support children’s education, and enhance women’s economic autonomy. Finally, this adaptation carried unintended consequences, including crocodile attacks, challenges related to fishing equipment and markets, and water-related illnesses.

Fishing, initially adopted as a temporary coping mechanism, has become an integral livelihood due to the drought. Diversifying livelihoods can mitigate food insecurity and enhance resilience among pastoralists confronting climate change.