Eleven community groups in Siaya County have received support for climate-smart agriculture to combat climate change, led by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC). The initiative provides solar-powered pumps and incubators valued at Sh. 3.5 million, enhancing irrigation and poultry farming. Funded by the Adaptation Fund and UNEP, the project aims to improve resilience in five East African countries. Local farmers expressed gratitude for the improved irrigation capabilities.
In a bid to address climate change and bolster resilience among vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities in the Lake Victoria Basin, eleven community groups from Siaya County have received crucial backing for climate-smart agriculture. This initiative, led by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), aims to empower these communities by providing sustainable agricultural solutions that counteract the negative impacts of climate change.
The support includes solar-powered water pumps and incubators valued at Sh. 3.5 million, facilitating better irrigation and poultry farming practices. Eng. Hildah Luoga, the Project Development Officer at LVBC, noted that these tools are expected to transform agricultural methods by ensuring improved water access for irrigation, vital for promoting sustainability in the region.
The impact of climate change has resulted in erratic rainfall, extended droughts, and diminished agricultural productivity in the Lake Victoria Basin. The introduction of solar-powered water pumps is expected to enhance efficient irrigation, thus securing food supplies even in dry spells. Additionally, the provision of incubators aims to bolster poultry farming by raising hatch rates, contributing to a reliable source of income and nutrition for local communities.
This project aligns with the broader “Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin” initiative, supported by the Adaptation Fund via the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with a total funding of USD 5 million. The initiative is operational in five East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Eng. Luoga emphasized that this program significantly enhances community adaptive capacity. Local beneficiaries expressed appreciation for this assistance, which promises to improve their living standards. As stated by Jane Achieng, a farmer, the solar-powered pump enables them to irrigate and cultivate crops throughout the year, reducing reliance on rainfall.
The LVBC, an institution within the East African Community (EAC), is tasked with coordinating environmental sustainability and resource management in the Lake Victoria Basin. The initiative will integrate climate-smart solutions, including renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, in alignment with Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the broader East African climate resilience strategy.
The initiative led by LVBC aims to support vulnerable communities around Lake Victoria in adapting to climate change through the provision of solar-powered irrigation systems and poultry incubators. This support not only enhances agricultural productivity but also ensures food security and income stability among the beneficiaries. By aligning with broader regional climate strategies, the project represents a significant step toward sustainable development in East Africa.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
