Thriving rangeland ecosystems and water availability in (semi)-arid landscapes

Resilient water and rangeland service delivery, in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), is the focus of the Kenya Resilient Arid Lands Partnership for Integrated Development Plus (Kenya RAPID+). The program builds on over five-years of learning from the original Kenya RAPID program. The aims are to strengthen devolved water governance systems, enhance integrated water resources management (IWRM), and improve access to sustainable water resources. Thus, supporting WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) and climate-resilient livelihoods.

Water storage in Isiolo County, Kenya

Key takeaways

Institutions, mandated with offering services at the county level, must be strengthened to entrench sustainability into programming.
Local ownership is key: County institutions, private sector entities and community institutions must lead planning and implementation.
Conflict sensitivity matters: Grazing agreements should integrate peacebuilding to avoid competition over resources.
Start small, scale smart: Low-cost water harvesting measures deliver quick wins and build community confidence.
Gender and social inclusion drive sustainability: Women and youth participation ensures more equitable access and long-term success.

Projectdetails

Started: 2020 – Completed: 2025
Ref: | Status: Completed
Title: Kenya RAPID+

Achtergrond

A Story of Resilience – Communities in Northern Kenya face recurrent water insecurity and rangeland degradation. Rainfall is scarce and erratic, leaving pastoralist communities vulnerable in sustaining their livelihoods. Livestock, the backbone of the ASAL economy, depends on both water and pasture, yet both are under pressure due to climate change, rapid population growth, poor resource management, and conflict.

Kenya RAPID+ responds not just with infrastructure, but with partnership. Working alongside county governments, communities, and the private sector, the program strengthens the institutions responsible for managing water and rangelands—because sustainable change depends on systems that endure.

Counties are improving how they plan, regulate, and monitor water resources through integrated water resources management. Decision-making spaces increasingly include women, men, and youth, ensuring more equitable access. Conflict-sensitive grazing approaches help transform competition over resources into cooperation.

At the same time, renewable energy solutions and catchment restoration efforts strengthen climate resilience, enabling landscapes and communities to better withstand drought cycles.

Marsabit County – Kenya RAPID Shuur community farm – Acacia Water 2024

Marsabit County – Kenya RAPID 3R site – Acacia Water 2023

Isiolot County – Kenya RAPID Shuur community farm – Acacia Water 2023

Isiolo County – Kenya RAPID community engagement – Acacia Water 2024

Isiolo County – Kenya RAPID 3r intervention – Acacia Water 2023

Garissa County – Kenya RAPID 3R intervention half moon bunds – Acacia Water 2022

ASAL – Kenya RAPID access to water by community and livestock – Acacia Water 2022

Turkana County – Kenya RAPID hand pump well – Acacia Water 2022

Activiteiten

We are deploying the 3R approach – Retain, Recharge, Reuse – throughout the target areas in Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Turkana and Marsabit counties. Sand dams, sub-surface dams, and infiltration pans capture and store water beneath dry riverbeds, turning infiltrated rainwater into future supply. Water utilities are strengthening their operational systems, supported by clearer policies, improved billing mechanisms, and solar-powered pumping that reduces costs while ensuring year-round availability.

Knowledge and engagement are shared across rural irrigation schemes that safeguard continuity. Irrigation is improving food security and household incomes. Counties are also using practical planning tools and data to guide smarter water management decisions.

Meanwhile, rangelands are beginning to recover. Reseeding, controlled grazing, and soil and water conservation are restoring degraded areas. Inclusive governance structures bring women, youth, and traditional leaders into decision-making, while conflict-resolution mechanisms linked to grazing routes promote peaceful coexistence.

Livestock management practices are aligning with sustainable range use, and alternative income streams—such as fodder production, gums and resins, and honey—are easing pressure on natural pastures while strengthening household resilience.

Bevindingen

Experience continues to reinforce key lessons: Strong county institutions anchor sustainability. Local ownership—by governments, communities, and private actors—ensures solutions reflect reality and last beyond project timelines.

Peacebuilding must be embedded in resource management. Small, visible investments in water harvesting build confidence and momentum. And meaningful participation of women and youth leads to more equitable and durable outcomes.

Kenya RAPID+ is strengthening the systems, institutions, and relationships that enable ASAL communities to manage resources sustainably, adapt to climate change, and build development instead of being dependent on emergency response.

In landscapes defined by uncertainty, resilience is built step by step—through stronger institutions, restored ecosystems, and shared stewardship of water and livelihoods.

Projectlocatie

Northern Kenya faces recurrent water insecurity and rangeland degradation. Rainfall is scarce and erratic, leaving pastoralist communities vulnerable in sustaining their livelihoods. Livestock, the backbone of the ASAL economy, depends on both water and pasture, yet both are under pressure due to climate change, rapid population growth, poor resource management, and conflict.

Geografische scope: regionaal

Downloads en links

Kenya RAPID+ Dissemination Tool

In samenwerking met

Contact

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Thriving rangeland ecosystems and water availability in (semi)-arid landscapes

Key takeaways

Projectdetails

Achtergrond

Activiteiten

Bevindingen

Projectlocatie

Downloads en links

In samenwerking met

Opdrachtgever:

Gefinancierd door:

Projectpartners:

Contact

Daniela Benedicto van Dalen

Gerelateerde onderwerpen

Projects

Contact

Regionaal kantoor