Role of history in shaping perceptions of climate change in the alpine areas of Kenya

Climate change will have differential effects on communities around the world due to different vulnerabilities. Two climate-vulnerable areas in Kenya – Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya – were compared in this study to see how their differing histories may have impacted their inherent adaptive capacities. A literature review was used to outline the differences in the history of the two areas, and then perceptions on climate change and adaptive capacity were assessed with quantitative and qualitative methods, consisting of interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires. Two communities were considered for each mountain – an alpine community and a community living at the base of the mountain. Overall, there were broad similarities in how these communities viewed their environment and changes to that environment. However, there were nuanced differences in perceptions, which reflect the different geo-political histories. In general, both of the Mount Elgon communities had greater appreciation for ecosystem services, but lower perceptions of changes in those services. They were overall more optimistic for the future than the communities in Mount Kenya. These factors may be shaped by a history of closer cultural connection to the mountain in Mount Elgon, which has implications for future adaptation to climate change.