Church-Government Partnerships in Strengthening Climate Change Adaptation in Semi-Arid Kenya Evidence from Tharaka South Sub-County

Abstract

Climate change continues to contribute to environmental degradation, food insecurity, water scarcity, and livelihood vulnerability in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), necessitating collaborative adaptation beyond government efforts. This study examined church-government partnerships in enhancing climate change adaptation in Tharaka South Sub-County, Kenya. It assessed collaborative adaptation initiatives, their perceived effectiveness, the influence of religious teachings on environmental stewardship, institutional challenges, and the contribution of indigenous knowledge. Fisher’s formula estimated a minimum sample of 384 respondents; however, financial and logistical constraints resulted in 133 participants, comprising 116 community members and 17 opinion leaders. A mixed-methods case study design was used, with data collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, document analysis, and field observations. Quantitative data were analysed statistically, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings showed that 96% of respondents reported active church-government collaboration. Church interventions included drought-resistant crops (100%), environmental awareness (96%), tree planting (84%), and water harvesting (52%), while government interventions included drought-tolerant seeds, agricultural training, and food relief (100% each), and water management projects (80%). Indigenous adaptation practices recorded the highest perceived effectiveness (M = 2.48/3), compared with government interventions (M = 1.92) and church interventions (M = 1.50). Furthermore, 52% identified integrated church-government-indigenous collaboration as the most effective approach. Major barriers included funding constraints (36%), corruption and resource mismanagement (20%), and inadequate technical capacity (20%). Joint capacity building (44%) and regular coordination meetings (32%) were identified as priority strategies. The study concludes that effective climate adaptation requires coordinated church-government partnerships, integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge, strengthened capacity building, and sustainable financing.