Eleven community groups from Siaya County have received a major boost for climate-smart agriculture activities in a concerted effort to combat climate change and improve resilience among vulnerable groups and people living with disabilities in the Lake Victoria Basin.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), seeks to empower communities with sustainable agricultural solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Moreover, through the project, the 11 community groups received solar-powered water pumps and incubators, valued at Sh. 3.5 million.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Eng. Hildah Luoga, the Project Development Officer at LVBC said the tools, were expected to revolutionize farming practices by improving water access for irrigation and enhancing poultry farming, key steps toward sustainable agriculture in the region.
Climate change, she said, has led to unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and declining agricultural productivity in the Lake Victoria Basin adding that the introduction of solar-powered water pumps will help farmers irrigate their crops efficiently, ensuring food security even during dry seasons.
The provision of incubators, she added will support poultry farmers by increasing hatch rates, providing a steady source of income and nutrition.
Eng. Luoga said the program was part of the broader “Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin” initiative, which is funded by the Adaptation Fund through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The project, which received a total funding allocation of USD 5 million, she said was being implemented across five East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
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“The project is a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the adaptive capacity of communities within the region,” she said.
Local beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, noting that it would significantly improve their livelihoods. “With this solar-powered pump, we will no longer depend solely on rainfall. We can now practice irrigation and grow crops all year round,” said Jane Achieng, a farmer from one of the beneficiary groups.
LVBC, an institution of the East African Community (EAC) mandated to coordinate sustainable development and management of resources in the Lake Victoria Basin, plays a vital role in coordinating transboundary projects that address environmental sustainability, water resource management, and socio-economic development in the area.
Hence, by integrating climate-smart solutions such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, the initiative will align with Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the broader East African climate resilience agenda.
By Fredrick Odiero.
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