Global warming impacts displacing the Maasai community in East Africa: challenges and responses

Abstract

Global warming is increasingly leading to displacement of people. The Maasai community in East Africa are a pastoralist community that severely face the impact of climate change which is leading to their displacement. This article examines the context of global warming in East Africa, examines the direct factors for displacement of the Maasai community and assesses the various factors that affect migration patterns of the Maasai. Issues such as exacerbated gender disparities due to climate change are outlined with an analysis of the link between both. Kenya is home to a large number of the Maasai. Thus, the article also assesses the measures implemented in Kenya to tackle global warming effects on the displacement of the Maasai. The article aims to identify what is missing in the international and regional law and norms applicable to pastoralists affected by climate change with a section providing recommendations for the East African Community.