Strengthening Community Voices to Advance Gender, Climate and Nutrition Policy in Kenya 

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY VOICES TO ADVANCE GENDER, CLIMATE AND NUTRITION POLICY IN KENYA 

by esarswat | July 29, 2026

Communities are often the first to experience the impacts of climate change on food security, nutrition, and livelihoods, yet their voices are not always reflected in policy decisions. Recognizing this, Inclusive Climate Change Adaptation for a Sustainable Africa (ICCASA), a GCAN partner in Kenya, convened a Community Dialogue on Gender, Climate and Nutrition on 31 March 2026 in Oloitoktok, Kajiado County, bringing together community members, county government officials, policymakers, local leaders, and faith-based organizations.

Image credit: Inclusive Climate Change Adaptation for a Sustainable Africa (ICCASA)

The dialogue created a structured platform for communities to engage directly with decision-makers, sharing lived experiences of how climate change is affecting food systems, household nutrition, livelihoods, and gender equality. Participants also highlighted the disproportionate burden on women and the need to address gender-based vulnerabilities while strengthening resilience to climate shocks.

Importantly, the event moved beyond discussion to action. County policymakers committed to strengthening community engagement mechanisms and incorporating local perspectives into policies and strategies related to climate resilience, gender equality, and nutrition. The dialogue also reinforced the importance of ensuring that women and young people have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.

By strengthening the connection between communities and policymakers, the dialogue advanced a more inclusive and evidence-informed approach to addressing the Gender, Climate Change and Nutrition nexus. It demonstrated how locally led engagement can help shape more responsive policies and contribute to resilient food systems that better meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

This activity reflects ICCASA's commitment to translating community knowledge into policy action, ensuring that investments in climate resilience and nutrition are grounded in local realities and contribute to sustainable, equitable development.

Featured image credit: International Water Management Institute (IWMI)