Siaya: In a concerted effort to combat climate change and improve resilience among vulnerable groups and people living with disabilities in the Lake Victoria Basin, eleven community groups from Siaya County have received vital support for climate-smart agriculture. The initiative, spearheaded by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), seeks to empower communities with sustainable agricultural solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 11 community groups received solar-powered water pumps and incubators, valued at Sh. 3.5 million, through the project. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Eng. Hildah Luoga, the Project Development Officer at LVBC, stated that the tools are expected to revolutionize farming practices by improving water access for irrigation and enhancing poultry farming. These steps are seen as key towards achieving sustainable agriculture in the region.
Eng. Luoga highlighted that climate change has led to unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and declining agricultural productivity in the Lake Victoria Basin. She added that the introduction of solar-powered water pumps will help farmers irrigate their crops efficiently, ensuring food security even during dry seasons. The provision of incubators will support poultry farmers by increasing hatch rates, providing a steady source of income and nutrition.
She further explained that the program is part of the broader 'Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin' initiative, which is funded by the Adaptation Fund through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The project, which received a total funding allocation of USD 5 million, is being implemented across five East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Local beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, noting that it would significantly improve 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."
LVBC, an institution of the East African Community (EAC) mandated to coordinate sustainable development and management of resources in the Lake Victoria Basin, plays a crucial role in coordinating transboundary projects that address environmental sustainability, water resource management, and socio-economic development in the area. By integrating climate-smart solutions such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, the initiative will align with Kenya's National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the broader East African climate resilience agenda.