Livelihood Lab Africa

Nairobi, Kenya

Livelihood Lab Africa
Research and evidence generation

Research & Publications

Evidence that informs, guides, and transforms

Research reports, systematic reviews, policy briefs and working papers on livelihoods, development policy, MEAL, and inclusive growth across Africa.

—Featured
Research Report15 November 2025

Climate Resilience and Livelihood Adaptation Among Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Kenya

This study examines how smallholder farming households in semi-arid counties of Kenya are adapting to climate variability. Drawing on mixed-methods data from 1,200 households across four counties, the research identifies effective adaptation strategies, enabling conditions, and persistent barriers to climate resilience.

Authors

Calvin Ambolwa OdariJack Malit
Climate ResilienceSmallholder FarmersKenyaAdaptation
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6 publications
01
Research ReportFeatured

Climate Resilience and Livelihood Adaptation Among Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Kenya

This study examines how smallholder farming households in semi-arid counties of Kenya are adapting to climate variability. Drawing on mixed-methods data from 1,200 households across four counties, the research identifies effective adaptation strategies, enabling conditions, and persistent barriers to climate resilience.

Authors

Calvin Ambolwa Odari, Jack Malit

Published

15 November 2025

Climate ResilienceSmallholder Farmers
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02
Systematic ReviewFeatured

What Works in Youth Enterprise Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

A rigorous systematic review of evidence from 78 youth enterprise and employment programmes across Sub-Saharan Africa between 2015 and 2024. The review synthesises findings on programme design, targeting, training modalities, and outcomes for young women and men.

Authors

Judy Mutegi, Calvin Ambolwa Odari

Published

20 August 2025

YouthEnterprise Development
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03
Policy BriefFeatured

Gender-Inclusive Value Chain Interventions in East Africa: Evidence and Practice

This policy brief synthesises evidence from gender-sensitive value chain programmes in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It presents practical recommendations for programme designers seeking to close gender gaps in agricultural market systems.

Authors

Shayne Gladys Khaemba, Judy Mutegi

Published

5 June 2025

GenderValue Chains
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04
Working Paper

MEAL Systems in Kenyan NGOs: Capacity, Practice, and Improvement Pathways

An assessment of monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning practices across 45 civil society organisations in Kenya. The study identifies capacity gaps, existing strengths, and practical pathways for improving MEAL quality and organisational learning.

Authors

Calvin Ambolwa Odari

Published

18 March 2025

MEALNGOs
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05
Research Report

Food Security Dynamics Among Pastoralist Communities in Northern Kenya

A mixed-methods study exploring food security trends, coping strategies, and market access among pastoralist households in Turkana and Marsabit counties, drawing on seasonal data collection and key informant interviews.

Authors

Jack Malit, Calvin Ambolwa Odari

Published

10 December 2024

Food SecurityPastoralism
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06
Working Paper

Institutional Learning in Development Organisations: A Framework for Practice

This working paper proposes a practical framework for fostering institutional learning in development organisations operating in complex, resource-constrained environments. It draws on case studies from Kenya and Uganda.

Authors

Judy Mutegi, Shayne Gladys Khaemba

Published

22 September 2024

Institutional LearningDevelopment Organisations
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