Mogotio community share their experience on Climate change

By Joyce Okuta

Farmers can significantly reduce climate change effects by selecting agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or store carbon. These were some of the discussions that emerged duringclimate change consultative meeting convened by Arid lands Information Network (ALIN)  on 31^st July 2014 in Mogotio sub-location, Baringo County.

The objective of the meeting was to get the community views in regard to the effects of climate change and their adaptation strategies. The 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 84 participants including the area chief and 2 assistant chiefs.

In attendance were 2 Ward administrators, Environment officer, Youth officer, ministry of Agriculture officers, Livestock officer, a representative from Fisheries department and an Environment officer for Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDSP).

The sub-county Agricultural officer, Mr. Ezekiel Chepkwony, challenged the farmers to venture into drought tolerant crops as an adaptation measure to climate change.

“The ministry of Agriculture is working closely with farmers in promoting drought tolerant crops like cassava” Said Mr. Chepkwony.

He advised farmers to use water harvesting technologies to ensure enough water for livestock during drought.

“Farmers should plant trees on at least 10% of their farms to support soil conservation,” He added.

The youth officer for Mogotio Sub-county, Mr. Samuel Komen encouraged the youth to form groups, register and write proposals that would enable them access the UWEZO funds.

Mr. Joseph Tanui a farmer from Kelelwa location pointed out that destruction of trees that are near the river banks have had adverse effects on the communities that rely on irrigation.

“The county government should formulate policies on protection of rivers and support the community in construction of water pans.”Said Mr. Tanui

Participants also shared experiences on climate variations experienced over the last 10 years.

“In the past it used to rain after an interval of 3 years then drought would follow, but now the weather patterns are unpredictable.” Observed Mr. Chepkonga Rotich

"People use ‘Ngoswe’ (Acacia) tree for firewood and burning charcoal whereas the tree is used for shade, livestock fodder and is drought tolerant but people have destroyed it.”Said John Cheruiyot a farmer.

Participants concurred that negligence on environmental conservation has led to climate change, he revealed that when he was a young boy, his parents were very strict on tree planting and they could not tolerate cutting down trees. He gave an example of tree species that were conserved: Kelionde-which is medicinal and Ngoswe- used as fodder.

 Planting indigenous trees eg  sokonik as an adaptation mechanism and  Planting drought tolerant crops like Cassava, sweet potatoes among others.

Communities have ventured into beekeeping and preserving honey for food during drought, also alternative food like Termites.