Support for Climate-Smart Agriculture in Siaya County’s Vulnerable Groups

Eleven community groups in Siaya County have received critical support for climate-smart agriculture from the Lake Victoria Basin Commission. The initiative includes solar-powered water pumps and incubators valued at 3.5 million Kenyan Shillings, aiming to enhance irrigation and poultry farming. This project, part of a larger climate adaptation initiative funded by UNEP, addresses the challenges posed by climate change and seeks to improve livelihoods in the region.

In a proactive initiative aimed at combating climate change, eleven community groups in Siaya County have received essential support for climate-smart agriculture. This effort, led by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), focuses on providing sustainable agricultural solutions to help vulnerable populations and individuals with disabilities in the Lake Victoria Basin. The project includes the distribution of solar-powered water pumps and incubators, valued at 3.5 million Kenyan Shillings.

Eng. Hildah Luoga, the Project Development Officer at LVBC, emphasized that the newly provided tools are expected to transform agricultural practices. Improved access to water for irrigation and enhanced poultry farming are viewed as critical advancements towards sustainable agricultural methods in the region. Luoga highlighted the impact of climate change, citing unpredictable rainfall and prolonged droughts that adversely affect agricultural productivity in the basin.

The introduction of solar-powered water pumps is particularly significant for farmers, as these pumps will enable effective irrigation, ensuring food security during dry seasons. Additionally, incubators will enhance poultry farming by increasing hatch rates, thus providing a consistent income and nutritional source for local communities.

This initiative forms part of the wider “Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin” project, which is funded by the Adaptation Fund through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). With a total funding of 5 million USD, the project spans across five East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. Luoga described the project as crucial for enhancing adaptive capacity among communities in the region.

Beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the support, recognizing its potential to significantly improve their livelihoods. Jane Achieng, a farmer from one of the beneficiary groups, 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.”

The LVBC, an institution of the East African Community, plays a key role in coordinating sustainable development and resource management projects across the Lake Victoria Basin. The initiative aims to integrate climate-smart solutions, aligning with Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the East African climate resilience strategy.

The support provided to eleven community groups in Siaya County signifies a vital step towards improving agricultural resilience amid climate change. Through the introduction of solar-powered water pumps and incubators, the initiative not only aims to enhance food security but also contributes to the overall socio-economic development of vulnerable populations. The program’s alignment with regional climate resilience efforts further underscores its importance in fostering sustainable practices in agriculture.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke