Assessing Climate Adaptation Benefits of Ecosystem Restoration in Kenyan Drylands

Ecosystem restoration is increasingly being posited as a response option to both land degradation and climate change issues, especially in drylands. However, the success of these interventions is persistently encumbered by a lack of contextual alignment with dryland realities. This paper analyses how adaptation outcomes in ecosystem restoration are influenced and shaped by the extent that the restoration interventions are entrenched within the socio-ecological realities. This study combines satellite data and field ethnographies through field observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and participatory mapping, to analyse a past farmer-managed natural regeneration project among Rendille pastoralists in Marsabit, Kenya. We show that contextual alignment with the local governance systems, livelihood and ecological dynamics improves the adaptive capacities of local land users and delivers benefits that are sustainable. However, owing to the increasing intensity and frequency of climate anomalies such as droughts, restoration alone is insufficient to meet the adaptation needs of the local communities. This necessitates broader policy actions, including efforts to address increasing threats of climate change in drylands. This study underscores the importance of contextual alignment of ecosystem restoration and offers guidance and insights to future projects on ensuring contextual alignment in ecosystem restoration to benefit people and ecosystems.