Climate change driven disruptions, like droughts and floods, disrupt access to water, food, and energy systems, and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding local impacts and adaptation gaps can inform strategies to enhance household and community resilience.

This qualitative study explored household resilience to droughts and floods among arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) and non-ASAL regions across five counties in Kenya, examined local resilience practices, determined impact on gender, and identified opportunities for evidence-based interventions.

We conducted 44 key informant interviews and 60 focus group discussions with men and women in Bungoma, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Samburu, and Siaya counties. We used a thematic analysis approach, and coded data using MAXQDA 2024.

Droughts and floods disrupted access to energy, water, healthcare, sanitation, and food markets; reduced agricultural productivity; and worsened food insecurity and health, especially for women and children. Planning, coping and recovery strategies were limited, for energy, safe water, and nutritious food. Barriers included a lack of early warning systems, restrictive gender norms, infrastructure challenges, and limited awareness.

This study highlighted the impact of droughts and floods on essential services, and the disproportionate burden on women and children. Limited preparedness, coping and recovery strategies existed for energy, water, and food systems. Barriers included resource constraints, limited awareness, and restrictive gender norms. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening early warning systems, expanding access to clean energy and water, promoting adaptive food practices, and integrating gender equity and water-energy-food nexus thinking into community-driven, policy-supported interventions.