Support for Climate-Smart Agriculture in Lake Victoria Basin

Eleven community groups in Siaya County have received support for climate-smart agriculture to combat climate change. The Lake Victoria Basin Commission led this initiative, providing solar-powered water pumps and incubators valued at 3.5 million Kenyan shillings. This project, funded by the Adaptation Fund through UNEP, aims to improve agricultural resilience in the Lake Victoria Basin.

In a dedicated initiative to tackle climate change and enhance resilience among vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, eleven community groups in Siaya County have received essential support for climate-smart agriculture. This initiative, led by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), aims to empower communities with sustainable agricultural practices to counteract the negative impacts of climate change.

As part of the initiative, these community groups were provided with solar-powered water pumps and incubators, valued at 3.5 million Kenyan shillings. Eng. Hildah Luoga, Project Development Officer at LVBC, noted that these tools are expected to transform farming methods by improving irrigation water accessibility and bolstering poultry farming, both vital for sustainable agricultural development in the region.

Eng. Luoga highlighted that climate change has resulted in erratic rainfall, extended droughts, and diminishing agricultural productivity within the Lake Victoria Basin. The introduction of solar-powered water pumps enables farmers to efficiently irrigate their crops, ensuring food security even in dry periods. Furthermore, the provision of incubators will elevate hatch rates for poultry farmers, thus ensuring a stable income and nutritional source.

This initiative forms part of the larger “Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin” program, which is backed by the Adaptation Fund through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Eng. Luoga mentioned that the total funding allocated for the project amounts to USD 5 million and is being implemented across five East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.

“This project is a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the adaptive capacity of communities within the region,” she stated. Local beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, emphasizing the significant improvement to their livelihoods. Jane Achieng, a farmer from one of the beneficiary groups, remarked, “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 plays an integral role in coordinating sustainable development and resource management in the Lake Victoria Basin. By promoting climate-smart solutions such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, this initiative supports Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the overarching climate resilience strategy for East Africa.

In summary, the collaborative effort to support vulnerable groups in the Lake Victoria Basin through climate-smart agriculture signifies a vital step towards improving resilience against adverse climate effects. The provision of solar-powered water pumps and incubators stands to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in the region, aligning with national and regional climate adaptation goals. Such initiatives underscore the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in combating climate change.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke