Climate change Meeting successfully held in Baringo

By: Joyce Okuta
 
Arid lands Information Network (ALIN) convened a community consultative meeting on climate change at Kabasis Location in Kabarnet on 17^Th   July 2014.

The objective of the meeting was to get the community views in regard to the effects of climate change and their adaption strategies. This information will be consolidated and shared with the county leadership for consideration in their plans and for county policy development on climate change.

The  meeting was attended by over 120  participants , the group was well mixed with over 8 village elders, women representatives, secondary school teachers,3 assistant chiefs, youth representatives,2 ministry of Agriculture staff,5 Agricultural Sector Development programme (ASDSP) staff and local weather predictors.

In attendance was the County Director of Environment, Jeniffer Kipkazi and ward administrator for kabartonjo Mr. Elijah Chemjor.

The county Director lauded the community for turning up in large numbers .She also notified the participants that the ministry of environment is currently giving tree seedlings to schools, churches and institutions.

“We have already distributed mango seedlings to 15 schools as an adaptation and mitigation measure on climate change which has adversely affected our county.”Said Jeniffer Kipkazi

She further highlighted their goodwill in working with women groups to ensure their full participation in conservation issues in the county.

Baringo County Director for Environment giving her remarks

Kabartonjo ward Administrator, Mr. Elijah chemjor said that kabasis area is well known for landslides leading to death and loss of property due to the effects of climate change.

“Land slide cases are high in this area and this needs an integrated approach to deal with this kind of a disaster.” Said Elijah chemjor

Noah Lusaka, ALIN’s project manager led the participants into discussions on climate change. He briefed them on ACT project that is currently implemented in Baringo, Laikipia and Kajiado counties.

He shared about portable farms and emerging technologies in Arid and Semi Arid Lands areas that conserves water.

The discussions sought to address Impacts of climate change at community level, coping mechanisms, what contributes to climate change, the status of natural resources and community’s contribution to the county plans with a focus on climate change issues and policies among others.

Noah Lusaka moderating the meeting