Real peace gains, changing realities: Gender, climate and conflict in the Kenya-Ethiopia borderlands

Peacebuilding efforts in the Omo–Turkana borderlands are delivering real gains. In areas where sustained dialogue, local peace structures and cross-border coordination have taken root, large-scale livestock raids and retaliatory violence have declined. Yet climate pressures, changing livelihoods and persistent inequalities are reshaping the challenges communities face.

This learning brief examines how climate change, conflict and gender dynamics are evolving across northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. It brings together perspectives from Turkana, Dassanech and Nyangatom communities, women peace champions, young people, government and civil society.

The findings show that reduced violence does not mean the underlying drivers of conflict have been resolved. Flooding, rising lake levels and changes in the Omo River are altering grazing areas, mobility and access to natural resources. Fishing and cross-border trade are creating opportunities for livelihoods and cooperation, while also bringing new tensions over access to shared resources.

Women and young people are more visible in peacebuilding, resource governance and economic life, but participation does not always bring influence. Peace Committees and Natural Resource Management Committees are advancing preventive, locally owned peacebuilding by negotiating resource access and mediating disputes. Stronger cross-border communication helps recover stolen livestock and prevent retaliation, while trade and social ties strengthen incentives for peace.

Consolidating these gains will require addressing climate adaptation, conflict prevention and gender equality together.

The programme is implemented by International Alert in partnership with the Turkana Pastoralist Development Organization (TUPADO) and the Ethiopia Institute of Peace (EIP), with funding from the Austrian Development Agency.