In a bid to enhance the adaptive capacity and resilience of small holder farmers and community members affected by climate- related threats in Emali community, we launched the Emali Integrated Food Security and Climate Adaptation project at Nembuya Farmer Field School. The Project Launch was graced by H.E Joseph Ole Lenku.
“During the drought season, we used to travel as far as Nakuru to get fodder for our animals. Sometimes we would get very bad fodder that would threaten the lives of our livestock and in some instances cause their death. We are grateful for this project because we now see the benefits of growing our own fodder,” says Titus, Farmer Kenyawa Poka.
During the launch, over 300 participants, including county officials, development partners, and community members, gathered to learn about innovative farming techniques and the importance of financial literacy. Through exhibitions and demonstrations, we showcased how alternative livelihood concepts can sustain livelihoods, improve incomes, and ensure food security amidst impacts of climate change.
“We will continue to sensitize our community members that they practice modulated pastoralism. Having a small herd of livestock with enough feed is much better compared to having many cows with little feed that won’t survive when another drought hits due to climate change. As a county, we have come up with plans to embrace feeding plans for livestock, quality produce and dairy, beef and skin value chain production,” says H.E Joseph Ole Lenku, Governor Kajiado County.
In line with our commitment to climate-smart solutions, we completed the solarization of the Nembuya borehole. This project, which involved the installation of 26 solar panels, will support fodder production and livestock activities at the Nembuya Farmer Field School. The borehole is expected to benefit 1,200 farmers, enhancing their agricultural output and resilience to climate change while reducing energy costs using renewable solar power.
To further improve access to water in drought-prone area, the construction of a 10,000 cubic meter surface water reservoir along the Muoni River was launched. This is part of a broader effort to increase water availability for smallholder farmers practicing climate-smart agriculture. By ensuring a reliable water supply, the project is helping farmers adopt sustainable practices that will improve food security and reduce the impacts of drought on agricultural productivity.
The project aims to:
- Increase smallholder farmers’ productivity and incomes through improved irrigation and climate smart agriculture where100 small holders supported to practice irrigation and aquaculture.
- Increase smallholder farmers’ milk production and income through improved climate smart dairy production. 100 dairy farmers will be supported to increase milk production, and a Climate Smart field school established to support 500 dairy farmers.
- Increase financial literacy and inclusion for small-holder dairy and irrigation farmers for sustainable development. 600 dairy and crop farmers will be equipped with financial literacy skills and advocacy.
