This document summarizes a presentation on the role of traditional, local and indigenous knowledge in responding to climate change from local to global perspectives. The presentation discusses how communities employ practices based on traditional knowledge to cope with climate impacts, including drought-resistant crops, water conservation techniques, food preservation methods, and pastoralist practices. It finds that indigenous knowledge developed over thousands of years is critical for local climate change adaptation. The presentation concludes with policy implications around supporting adaptation using indigenous knowledge, promoting technology transfer, and integrating traditional sustainable practices into mitigation efforts.

1. The Role of Traditional-, Local- and Indigenous-Knowledge in Responding to Climate Change: Local-Global Perspectives Dr. Kenneth Odero, Climate XL AfricaAdapt Climate Change Symposium 9-11 March, Addis Ababa

2. Content Research problem Research objectives Approach Findings Policy implications

3. Research Problem (1/2) A B Photography: Courtesy of The Standard

4. Research Problem (2/2) Source: FEWSNET (2010) "A Climate Trend Analysis of Kenya"

5. Research Objectives To review relevant risk management strategies employed by Kenyan communities to prepare for, avoid or moderate, and recover from the effects of exposure to anthropogenic and or negative climate change Draw policy implications.

6. Approach Case studies and Documentary analyses of: range management based system in Kibwezi; tree fodder for livestock system and conservation based agro-forestry system in Embu; high value tree crops system in the coastal humid zones; soil fertility based agro-forestry system in Maseno; species preference among the Olma and Mboni communities of Mpeketoni; use of indigenous techniques in the management of pests and diseases among the Tugen; and cattle/animal husbandry practices of the Borana community in northern Kenya.

7. Findings (1/3) To help cope with the negative impacts of anthropogenic climate change, communities employ traditional-, local- and indigenous-knowledge (TLIK) based practices. TLIK includes: gender defined knowledge of indigenous plant and animal species, especially drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties; water harvesting technologies; water conservation techniques to improve water retention in fragile soils; food preservation techniques such as fermentation, sun drying, use of herbal plants, ash, honey, and smoke to ensure food security; seed selection to avoid the risks of drought;

8. Findings (2/3) mixed- and or intercropping and diversification; soil conservation through no tillage and other techniques; use of early warning systems to predict short, medium and long term climate changes; transhumance to avoid draught and risk loss of livestock; herd accumulation; use of supplementary feed for livestock; reserving pasture for use by young, sick and lactating animals in case of drought; disease control in livestock and grain preservation; reserving pasture for use by young, sick and lactating animals in case of drought; disease control in livestock and grain preservation;

9. Findings (3/3) use of indigenous techniques in the management of pests and diseases; culling of weak livestock for food; and multi-species composition of herds to survive climate extremes. TLIK is the resource that is most readily available to smallholder farmers, pastoralists, fishing communities and forest dwellers to deal with the negative impacts of climate change This gender-based knowledge, which has evolved over the last 10,000 years with the domestication of plants and animals is critical for responding to climate change related risks at the local level.

10. Policy Implications Adaptation Financing -> ODA↓ ↔ Africa’s negotiation position in the UNFCCC Technology transfer/technology development, including IPR issues, green economy, etc Mitigation – by definition TLIK is sustainable and climate smart STI Transport, Energy & Housing Rural/Agriculture, Land, Water, Forestry Gender, Education, Health, etc.