A new study conducted in Kenya reveals that a significant decline in rainfall is linked to a 28.7 percent increase in suicidal thoughts among women, highlighting the severe psychological impact of climate change on rural communities.

• Drought conditions were associated with a 36.7 percent increase in suicidal thoughts, escalating to 48.3 percent when combined with soaring food prices for women in informal rural settings.
• The study was published in Science Direct by Cyprian Mostert, an Assistant Professor at Aga Khan University, and his colleagues at the Brain and Mind Institute.
• The research focused on Kilifi’s Kaloleni and Rabai regions, underscoring the urgent need to integrate mental health services into climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations.