Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation Policy Implementation and Women’s Adaptive Capacity in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the implementation of gender-responsive climate adaptation policies and their influence on women’s adaptive capacity in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). The article investigates three interconnected dimensions: the extent of gender responsiveness in national and county-level policy implementation, the intensity of policy execution, and women’s participation in climate planning processes. Drawing on the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and Gender and Development Theory, the article analyzes how structural, institutional, and participatory factors shape women’s capacity to adapt to climate-induced challenges. Findings indicate that while policy frameworks incorporate gender considerations, implementation varies across regions and is often constrained by limited resources, institutional capacity, and socio-cultural barriers. Policy implementation intensity is positively correlated with enhanced adaptive capacity, particularly when community engagement and participatory planning are prioritized. Women’s active involvement in climate decision-making processes strengthens the link between policy implementation and climate-adaptive livelihood outcomes, highlighting the mediating and moderating role of participation. The article concludes that Kenya possesses both legal and community-based foundations for gender-responsive climate adaptation, yet systematic coordination, capacity-building, and inclusive planning are essential for effectiveness and equity. These findings are significant for policymakers, development practitioners, and scholars as they underscore the importance of regionally tailored implementation, structured gender mainstreaming, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and multi-level stakeholder collaboration to enhance women’s resilience to climate variability in ASALs.