Marigat community participate in climate change policy and bill forum

By Joyce Okuta

 

Three farmers from Marigat sub-county, actively participated during the recent Baringo County consultative forum on the draft climate change policy and bill held on 3^rd June 2014, at Kibelion Hotel.

It was paramount to engage farmers to have their voice on the draft bill, since climate change has had adverse effects in Agricultural sector. The one day workshop was attended by  54 participants representing all the six sub-counties.

“Can this thing called climate change come to pass?” Asked Agnes Tamar, farmer from Marigat.

Agnes was displaced due to floods after Lake Baringo changed its course. She had to move to Marigat town and leased a 4 acre piece of land  which she treasures so much.

She vividly recalls 20 years ago when their granary was full of food, but now even getting 25 bags of maize from one acre is a nightmare.

Simon Chesang, from kapkuikui beekeepers challenged the county government to award farmers who plant more trees.

“Climate change is contributed by human activities especially cutting down of trees in catchment areas,” Said Simon.

He also narrated how encroachment in Loboi swamp has massively contributed to the loss of the wetland that the community could utilize.

“As we lay the policies we need to consider or set aside a place for our bee hives,” said Simon.

Beekeeping plays an vital role in protecting natural environment and gives communities economic benefits from standing trees. Beekeepers have a vested interest in protecting trees - the source of their honey.

“The forum was an eye opener for me as a young farmer, I now understand that climate change will expose communities to serious risks like prolonged drought or floods, the government should allocate more funds towards adaptation and mitigation measures” said Dancun Lekakimon.

During the forum it emerged that the county government has formed County climate Change advisory committee. The committee comprises key departments and community forecasters; however women are not represented due to cultural aspects.

They appealed to the county government to include women among the community forecasters.