Climate variability and wildlife conflicts amplify poverty and food insecurity in East Africa

Abstract

Rural communities in East Africa face heightened vulnerability from the combined pressures of climate variability and human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs), which jointly exacerbate poverty and food insecurity. This review synthesizes empirical evidence to: (i) assess the impacts of climate stress and HWCs on household income and livelihoods; (ii) examine effects on agricultural productivity and food access; and (iii) evaluate coping strategies while identifying sustainable policy interventions. Applying the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the study shows that these stressors erode multiple household capitals such as natural, financial, human, social, and physical by limiting adaptive capacity and reinforcing cycles of vulnerability. Findings indicate that over 60% of East African countries score below 40 on the ND-GAIN Index, reflecting low readiness for climate risks, while HWCs affect 87.5% of countries, contributing to rural poverty rates above 50% in more than half of the region. Consequently, 63% of countries consistently record Global Hunger Index scores above 35, indicating severe to alarming food insecurity. Current interventions including Climate-Smart Agriculture, early warning systems, reforestation, and wildlife compensation schemes provide partial relief but remain constrained by limited financial resources, weak institutional support, and inadequate coverage. The review highlights the importance of integrated, community-centered strategies that simultaneously strengthen household capitals, enhance adaptive capacity, and link climate adaptation with HWC mitigation. Scaling up such interventions is essential to sustain agricultural productivity, reduce rural poverty, and improve food security in the face of escalating climate and wildlife-related challenges.