Lake Livelihoods

For the Ilchamus indigenous people, Lake Baringo is far more than a body of water—it is a vital source of livelihoods, food security, cultural identity, and community cohesion. For generations, the lake has supported fishing, small-scale trade, livestock watering, and household nutrition, with women and youth playing central roles in fish processing, marketing, household income management, and the transfer of indigenous ecological knowledge. These lake-based livelihoods have historically complemented pastoralism and farming, forming a resilient livelihood system rooted in a deep relationship with the lake and its ecosystems.
However, climate change has significantly disrupted this balance. Rising lake waters, recurrent flooding, and environmental degradation have submerged farms, grazing lands, and settlements, leaving many households with limited livelihood options. In this context, fishing and other lake-related economic activities have become an increasingly critical alternative source of income and nutrition, particularly for women and youth who are often the most affected by climate shocks yet possess strong adaptive capacity when provided with the right support.
Recognizing the strategic importance of sustainable lake livelihoods, BWYO works to strengthen climate-resilient, safe, and environmentally responsible fishing practices that enhance both economic stability and ecosystem health. Through initiatives such as the Lake Baringo Sustainable Fisheries & Livelihoods Project in Rugus and Salabani locations, the organization supports vulnerable, flood-affected households with productive assets, skills development, and knowledge on sustainable resource management. By improving access to fishing gear and building capacity on responsible fishing methods, BWYO contributes to increased fish catch, improved household incomes, and enhanced food security.
Importantly, these interventions place women and youth at the center of recovery and resilience-building efforts—recognizing them not only as beneficiaries but as leaders and drivers of change within their communities. Income generated from lake-based livelihoods has enabled households to meet essential needs such as education, healthcare, and daily nutrition, while reducing pressure on land-based livelihoods that are increasingly unreliable due to climate-induced flooding.
By strengthening sustainable lake livelihoods, BWYO contributes to long-term community resilience, inclusive economic empowerment, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems. Protecting Lake Baringo and promoting responsible use of its resources is therefore not only an environmental priority, but a critical investment in the dignity, self-reliance, and future of the Ilchamus people and other indigenous communities who depend on the lake for survival.