Relentless heat and drought take a toll on herders’ physical and mental health, in Kenya and the US
A herder helps to move a flock of sheep near California's border with Mexico to graze on alfalfa in 2025. Scott Olson/Getty Images 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.
Herders in Kenya and the U.S. work outdoors for long hours in rising temperatures, often without breaks. A herder in northern Kenya described the heat as unbearable, stating, “We have never experienced such hot days.” The article highlights that herding involves constant outdoor work, with livestock moved to find food and water. In Kenya, herders may travel up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) during droughts, while in the U.S., shepherds live in portable trailers without air conditioning and work in states like Colorado and California. Extreme heat and drought reduce food and water for livestock, forcing herders to walk for nearly 12 hours daily in direct sunlight. The article notes that global temperatures are rising, making these conditions more frequent and severe.
Herders face significant health risks due to heat exposure and drought. In Kenya, researchers found that herders often suffer from dehydration, headaches, breathing problems, and extreme sweating—symptoms of heat-related illness. The study also linked heat exposure to anxiety and depression, with many herders reporting feelings of hopelessness, likely due to both extreme weather and the loss of livestock during droughts. In California, a state report warned that herders can die from heat-related illnesses, emphasizing the need for employers to implement heat illness prevention plans. Because herders are often isolated, they may only seek medical help in emergencies, making it difficult to track long-term health effects.
To study herders’ health, researchers used a combination of in-person visits, smartwatches, smartphones, and temperature loggers to collect real-time data. In Kenya, herders wore devices for three months, recording daytime temperatures between 88.7°F and 97°F (31.5°C and 36.1°C). The study found that herders walked similar distances regardless of temperature, as they had no choice but to work in extreme heat. There was a small but noticeable correlation between higher temperatures and more heat-related illness symptoms reported by herders. These findings highlight the immediate physical stress herders endure, with potential long-term effects like cardiovascular disease.
Rising global temperatures are worsening conditions for herders, who already face harsh environments. The article notes that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent in both Kenya and the U.S., with droughts killing millions of livestock in the Horn of Africa. Researchers emphasize the need for long-term studies to understand how repeated heat exposure affects herders’ health over time. Because herders are difficult to reach, healthcare workers often have limited access to them, making it challenging to address health issues caused by heat and drought. The article underscores the urgency of studying these impacts to develop better prevention and support strategies.
Herders often live and work in remote areas, making it hard for healthcare workers to provide timely medical care. In the U.S., some herders are only visited by employers once every few weeks, and their employers may be the only ones aware of their location. In Kenya, researchers used cellphones and motorcycles to reach herders for interviews and health tracking. The article explains that herders typically seek medical help only in emergencies, such as severe injuries or illnesses, leaving many health issues unaddressed. This lack of access to healthcare makes it difficult to study and mitigate the long-term effects of heat exposure on herders’ well-being.
