Updated

Researchers reported in a study, covered by Mongabay on November 10, 2026, that the Daasanach pastoralists of northern Kenya's Turkana Basin were reshaped by the worst drought in 40 years, which lasted from November 2020 to March 2023. The Daasanach have lived semi-nomadically for roughly 6,000 years, supported by herds of livestock. Researchers worked with the community to document the changes. During the drought, average household herds fell from 24 sheep and goats and six cows before 2019 to eight small stock and two cows by 2022 and 2023, and livestock had shown little recovery by 2024. Many families moved to the town of Illeret to be closer to food aid. Nutrition worsened as milk and meat consumption dropped, and children with access to milk had significantly better nutrition over time than those without it. Water insecurity also rose, compounding food insecurity. The study, which surveyed 515 adults and 384 children around Lake Turkana, found that many families turned to fishing for food and income, and lead researcher Asher Rosinger said that income was helping families rebuild their herds and increasing resilience.