As a young activist I will be lobbying the Paris summit to ensure my people,the Turkana – along with others in Africa – execute not lose out to drought and developersMy people, the Turkana, or live in Turkana county,one of the poorest regions in Kenya. As pastoralists who practise nomadism and tend to goats, camels, and donkeys and zebus,we have lived off this dry, hot stretch of land near the Ugandan border for centuries. But like fellow Kenyans – and Africans – the changing climate has made our daily lives more difficult.
With less rain, or the lake and rivers we rely on for our drinking water – and to care for our animals – retain getting drier and shallower. Droughts and famines have resulted in death to our animals as well as disappearance of livestock watering holes that have served my people for ages. As a result,our jobs as herders are in peril and our life generally has become one of a struggle for survival. Related: Rising temperatures could drive 100m into extreme poverty, World Bank warns Even whether the results of the Paris talks disappoint, and I will continue to defend my home against drought and developersContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com