The Challenge We Face
Sustainable development is essential to building resilient communities, protecting biodiversity, and securing the future of the ecosystems we depend on. Yet communities living closest to nature are increasingly facing the greatest pressures—while having the fewest resources and opportunities to respond.
Climate change is disrupting rainfall patterns, intensifying drought and increasing pressure on water, pasture and food systems, with far-reaching loss and damage. Ecosystem degradation is reducing the health and productivity of forests and rangelands, while changing economic realities are making it harder for households to sustain their livelihoods.
Pastoral communities continue to lose not only livestock, but also access to food, livelihoods, mobility, culture, knowledge and the ability to live well in a changing climate. These ripple effects are far-reaching, shaping the lives of young people who are navigating barriers to skills, finance, markets, enterprise and meaningful participation in decisions that shape their communities and natural resources.
ACTNOW KENYA envisions a people-and-nature approach, recognizing that healthy ecosystems and resilient communities depend on each other. We believe the path forward must start with people and the ecosystems at the centre of these challenges. Our work brings together ecosystem restoration, sustainable food systems and resilient livelihoods, building on local resources, Indigenous ecological knowledge and community-led solutions.
People. Ecosystem. Resilience.
Young people in conservation leadership
We started with a simple question…
What happens when the people who depend on a landscape are also given the space, tools and confidence to help shape its future?
ACTNOW KENYA began in 2022 with young indigenous people originating from pastoral communities of the Mukogodo landscape after witnessing the effects of a changing climate around them—degraded land, water pressures, food insecurity and growing challenges to livelihoods.
The Organization began as a platform for young people to engage in dialogue around climate and environmental challenges affecting their communities. Over time, this developed into practical community action focused on conservation, food systems and livelihoods.
Today, we work with local communities to develop solutions that respond to local needs acknowledging that community knowledge, ecological knowledge and local resources are blueprints for sustainable communities and a thriving environment. Young people and women are actively involved in shaping and implementing these solutions, alongside community leaders, local institutions and other partners.
We believe lasting change begins with the people who know the land best.
The ACTNOW APPROACH
Climate change does not arrive one problem at a time. It reshapes livelihoods, mobility, food systems and ecosystems together. In Mukogodo, these realities are part of the same landscape—and our response has to be just as connected.
ACT is about turning local knowledge, resources and ideas into action. NOW is about paying attention to the people, places and natural systems around us — and understanding how their wellbeing is connected. Together, they shape how ACTNOW KENYA works, observe, learn, connect and act for people and nature.
ACT
Ecosystem Restoration . Climate Action. Loss and Damage
responding to the landscape and climate realities.
CLIMATE ACTION & LOSS AND DAMAGE
Climate change is already affecting how communities live, move, produce food and manage natural resources. We work with communities to understand these changes and strengthen local responses, while recognising the losses and damages that cannot simply be avoided or adapted to.
ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
For pastoral communities, healthy ecosystems are not separate from livelihoods, culture and ways of life—they are the foundation on which they depend. Restoration therefore also means strengthening community stewardship, protecting access to resources and recognising the knowledge and rights of the people who have long cared for and depended on the landscape. This is the foundation of our mission everyday.
COEXISTENCE
People · Ecosystem · Resilience
NOW
Pastoral Life & Mobility . Food Sovereignty. Livelihoods
strengthening people, livelihoods and ways of life in the present.
PASTORAL LIFE & MOBILITY
Pastoral mobility is part of how communities respond to changing seasons, access resources and sustain livestock-based livelihoods. We recognise the knowledge, relationships and movement that make pastoral life possible, while supporting approaches that strengthen communities’ ability to navigate change.
Food and Livelihoods
We support agroecology, sustainable food systems and livelihood opportunities that strengthen food security and create greater opportunities for women and youth. We focus on approaches that build on local knowledge, resources and community initiative.
The Values That Guide Our Work
Sustainability
We think beyond immediate needs, supporting solutions that strengthen the long-term wellbeing of communities and the ecosystems on which they depend.
Diversity & Inclusivity
We value different knowledge, experiences and perspectives, creating space for women, young people and communities to participate and shape solutions that affect their lives.
Innovation for Impact
We learn, experiment and adapt, supporting practical ideas that respond to local realities and create meaningful change for people and nature.
Collaboration
We believe meaningful change is built together, bringing communities, local actors and partners together to share knowledge, skills and resources around common goals.
Integrity
We are accountable to the people and places we work with, guided by honesty, transparency, respect and responsible stewardship.
3+
Years of Impact
Our Mission
To work with communities, young people and women to restore and conserve ecosystems, strengthen sustainable food systems, and build resilient livelihoods through local resources, Indigenous ecological knowledge and community-led action.
Our Vision
Sustainable communities and thriving ecosystems across the Mukogodo Ecosystem, Northern Kenya.