Climate change erodes Kenyan coastal tourism
Women working in tourism on Kenya’s coast are seeing incomes and cultural livelihoods undermined by climate change, according to research in Kilifi by Lucy Atieno published on 26 January 2026. Rising temperatures above 35°C, sea‑level rise, drought and floods are degrading mangroves and near‑shore fisheries, reducing supplies for hotels and tours and weakening gastro‑tourism – significant given women hold many tour guiding and hospitality roles.
The study reports freshwater shortages killing mangrove seedlings, declines in prawns and crabs, displacement of beachfront traders as shorelines retreat, and the erosion of culinary traditions tied to coconuts, cashews and baobab. Atieno urges climate policy that recognises both economic and non‑economic losses – including culture, identity and sense of place – alongside gender‑sensitive adaptation and community‑led coastal restoration, aligning with the UN loss and damage mechanism.
Source: The Conversation UK
