Holistic Pathways to Resilience: Integrated Approaches to Sustainable Development in Western Kenya

Abstract

This study examines the role of integrated approaches in advancing sustainable development in Western Kenya, with a focus on the interconnections between education, equity, ecological justice, peace, and mental well-being. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research combined household surveys with interviews and focus group discussions to capture both measurable outcomes and community perspectives. The findings reveal that while education and equity remain foundational pillars of development, mental health emerged as the most significant determinant of resilience and progress, underscoring its critical yet often overlooked role. Ecological challenges such as soil erosion and recurrent flooding were shown to exacerbate livelihood insecurity and fuel local conflicts, highlighting the inseparability of environmental sustainability and peace-building. The study concludes that fragmented interventions are insufficient; rather, sustainable transformation requires localized, community-driven strategies that integrate education, equity, ecology, peace, and mental well-being. These insights contribute to Kenya’s Vision 2030, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and Africa’s Agenda 2063 by providing evidence for holistic and context-specific models of development.