CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY IN WESTERN KENYA

In Western Kenya (Kakamega and Vihiga), KOEE is partnering with Act, Change Transform (ACT!), Global One 2015, and the Alliance of Religions for Conservation (ARC) to implement a one year project combatting climate change and food insecurity in Western Kenya. On November 19th, the project was launched at the Burkura Farmer’s Training Center (FTC), where the Hon. Peninah Mukabane, the Minister for Environment, Water, Natural and Resources was present. At the time, she was also acting for the Minister for Agriculture – which compounded her suitability for Chief Guest. Other national and County government officials included the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) deputy director for Vihiga County Mr. Protus Musawa, the Environment officer, Kakamega County – Mr. Peter Mathia and the County Adult and Continuing Education Officer (CACEO) –Vihiga County – Mr. Albert Aluvisia. The launch was followed by two days of consultation and two days of training for faith leaders from eight different groups. The goal of this workshop was to bring together key stakeholders on climate change and food security within the target counties, along with faith leaders to help them understand the climate change and food security issues within their area, identity sustainable solutions, and to enhance the capacity of participating groups. Western Kenya was chosen for this project, as it has been hit the worst by the effects of climate change such as droughts, soil degradation and increased incidence of water borne diseases. The project targets faith leaders from faith groups that have developed long term pans for care for the environment. This project aims to help the target groups initiate small-scale initiatives to address food insecurity and help generate income. Overall, the project was successful in mobilizing government officials from multiple levels to pledge support for the improvement of the environment and peoples livelihoods, in light of the effects of climate change and food insecurity in the region. The project received the framework within which to operate from the perspective of adult and continuing education, ministry of the environment, and the Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA. 1999) coordinated by NEMA

#climatechange #foodsecurity #westernkenya