In an effort to combat climate change, eleven community groups in Siaya County received support for climate-smart agriculture from the Lake Victoria Basin Commission. The project, valued at Sh. 3.5 million, provides solar-powered water pumps and incubators to improve farming practices and resilience among vulnerable populations. The initiative also aligns with regional strategies to enhance food security and sustainable development.
In a proactive response to climate change, eleven community groups from Siaya County have received support for climate-smart agricultural initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience among vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities in the Lake Victoria Basin. This initiative was led by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), which aims to empower local communities with sustainable agricultural practices to counteract climate-related challenges.
The project, which includes the provision of solar-powered water pumps and incubators valued at Sh. 3.5 million, focuses on improving agricultural productivity. Eng. Hildah Luoga, Project Development Officer at LVBC, emphasized that these tools would revolutionize farming by improving irrigation access and enhancing poultry farming, thus paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Eng. Luoga highlighted the adverse impacts of climate change in the Lake Victoria Basin, including unpredictable rainfall and drought which have detrimentally affected agricultural yields. The new solar-powered pumps will allow farmers to irrigate crops effectively, thereby ensuring food security during dry spells. Additionally, the incubators will help poultry farmers improve hatch rates, providing them with a reliable income and nutrition source.
This initiative is part of the “Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin” program, funded by the Adaptation Fund via the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with a total funding of USD 5 million. Eng. Luoga stated that the project is being implemented across five East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, reinforcing regional collaboration.
Local beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the project, indicating a substantial improvement in their livelihoods. Farmer Jane Achieng noted, “With this solar-powered pump, we will no longer depend solely on rainfall. We can now practice irrigation and grow crops all year round,” indicating the transformative potential of the initiative.
The LVBC, as an East African Community institution, plays a crucial role in managing sustainable development initiatives across the Lake Victoria Basin. By promoting renewable energy and sustainable agricultural methods, this project aligns with Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the broader regional climate resilience strategy.
The initiative to support climate-smart agriculture among vulnerable groups in Siaya County represents a significant stride towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. With the introduction of solar-powered tools and sustainable practices, the project aims to secure food security and improve livelihoods in the Lake Victoria Basin. Furthermore, this collaborative effort illustrates the importance of regional partnership in addressing climate resilience effectively.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
