In the face of escalating climate challenges, fostering resilience within communities is vital. International Aid Services Danmark embraces this mission, directing our efforts towards empowering local communities to combat increasing impacts of climate change.
Tharaka-Nithi County faces increasingly erratic rain patterns, resulting in prolonged dry spells and heightened drought risks. The majority of households, who are reliant on subsistence agriculture, now face escalated rates of crop failure and greater risk of famine. In response to this crisis, funded by the Center for Kirkeligt Udviklingssamarbejde, IAS Denmark and IAS Kenya are championing a project that began in 2020 —equipping and supporting 1500 households and key institutions with the knowledge to build resilience and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.
Their multi-pronged strategy is the cornerstone of sustained resilience. We concentrate on enhancing water harvesting and resources, imparting valuable training on improved livestock practices, bolstering farmer associations, providing guidance on establishing tree nurseries, conducting advocacy training to raise awareness of climate change impacts, and training community members on strategies to withstand the changing climate.
The initial phase of our project, undertaken in 2020 and 2021, focused on the meticulous de-silting of an earth dam in Tharaka, reinforcing infrastructure, and establishing accessible points for the local community. The picture below shows how the earth dam looks today, in 2023. Over 100 households rely on this earth dam for water, and after the improvements were made in the beginning of the project, the dam can still sustain these households through the prolonged dry seasons.
Today, preparations are underway for excavating another earth dam to secure more water for additional households. The excavation site symbolizes a future brimming with promise. The land, a generous donation from a local farmer, will be overseen by local committees—a testament to the unity and commitment of the community to create a more secure future for themselves and their families. The farmer's benevolence in contributing the land and the community's dedication to its management exemplify how our project serves as a catalyst, bringing communities together for a more resilient future.
#EUCORDClimateChampions #climateresilience #sustainabledevelopment
Ink Spiller | Blue-penciler | French → English Text Twister (Copy/Content Writer, Copy Editor/Proofreader, Translator)
2w"The success of the refugia approach lies in its focus on sustainable use rather than strict no-fishing rules. Unlike traditional marine protected areas, which often alienate fishing communities who view their primary purpose as biodiversity protection, the refugia approach encourages fishers to become the protectors of the species they depend on." I love this and am curious to know if Louisiana is doing anything similar.