Ikal Angelei Advocates for Lake Turkana Communities

Why this is here: Historically, communities around Lake Turkana balanced livelihoods between pastoralism, fishing, and farming—forming what Angelei describes as a “three-legged stool” for resilience.

Environmentalist Ikal Angelei of Kenya describes how communities around Lake Turkana have always adapted to fluctuating conditions, but now face amplified pressures. Angelei, who won the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2012, founded Friends of Lake Turkana after becoming concerned about the impact of Ethiopia’s Gibe III Dam. Her organization now focuses on bolstering community agency amid increasing infrastructure development, resource conflicts, and climate change.

Historically, people around Lake Turkana have shifted between pastoralism, fishing, and farming as needed, maintaining cultural systems to recover from losses. However, migration routes are now shorter and grazing lands smaller, complicating traditional coping mechanisms. Angelei notes that current aid programs often require adaptation by the people, rather than adapting to their needs, leading to practices like overfishing.

The lake’s water levels have always fluctuated, but recent rises feel like new crises because communities moved into previously exposed areas when waters receded. Angelei worries the increasing economic value of the lake could displace the poorest residents. Work continues to connect local struggles and protect the region’s shared resources.