Relentless heat and drought take a toll on herders' physical and mental health, in Kenya and the US
If being outside in the heat for even a few minutes felt miserable this summer, imagine what it's like for herders who are always out walking with their livestock and rarely get a break.
In northern Kenya, herders endure scorching temperatures and drought conditions that have intensified over the past few years. One herder observed that the extreme heat is unlike anything they have experienced before. The herders' work involves walking with livestock for long periods, often in temperatures well above human comfort levels.
The situation in the United States is similar, with sheepherders living in portable trailers with no air conditioning and working long hours in direct sunlight in states like Colorado and California. These harsh conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses, anxiety, and depression among herders. In Kenya, researchers have been studying the health impacts of heat exposure on herders using smartwatches, smartphones, and temperature loggers.
The data collected shows that herders walk about the same amount regardless of temperature but report more heat-related illness symptoms on warmer days. The prolonged drought that occurred between 2020 and 2023 exacerbated the situation, causing millions of livestock to die and leaving many herders struggling to find food and water.
The stress and hopelessness experienced by herders during this period likely contributed to the physical symptoms they reported, such as headaches, breathing abnormalities, and extreme sweating.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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