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.

Consultative Forum on the draft climate change policy and bill

By Joyce Okuta

Baringo is one of the most vulnerable counties to the impacts of climate change. The most affected sectors include Agriculture and tourism.

The Baringo County consultative forum on the draft climate change policy and bill was held on 3^rd June 2014, at Kibelion Hotel.

The forum was convened by Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG) to bring on board Civil Society organizations, Community based organizations and the county government to identify the gaps in the draft bill and see how it will be incorporated. The one day workshop was attended by 54 participants representing all the six sub-counties.

“The proposed bill did not pass due to inadequate consultation as cited by former president Mwai Kibaki, said Susy wandera, Conference of the parties chair, KCCWG.

She further said that KCCWG has also involved the youth and the county government through sensitization on the policy and the climate change bill.

After the second reading of the bill, it will be made public through the various media platforms.

According to a presentation made by Caroline Tenges, CEC member, Environment and natural Resources, it was revealed that over 80% of the population in Baringo county dwell in rural areas and poverty levels are estimated at 58.7%.

“The situation is aggravated by effects of climate change leading to erratic weather patterns,” Said the CEC.

The participants advocated lobbying for passing of the bill and allocation of more funds for climate change and development in Baringo County.

“The more the passing the bill is delayed the more communities miss resources,” said Frank Msafiri, Chairman of KCCWG.

A key presentation on a project funded by Act!  that is being implemented in Baringo County was made by Noah Lusaka, Project manager-Arid Lands Information Network. The project focuses on strengthening community resilience to impacts of climate change. Among the project activities include introduction of linear shower mobile irrigation system that conserves over 70% of water resources, community consultations on vulnerability and coping mechanisms, lobbying for inclusion of climate change issues in the County Integrated development plans and information dissemination.

KCCWG, is a forum that brings together Civil Society Organizations in Kenya and donor partners, government departments and agencies working on climate change and for climate justice; for the purpose of creating synergies, harmonizing and strengthening of efforts in the design and implementation of activities that address Climate Change and lobbying and advocating for favorable national policies in the promotion of climate justice for all, especially the most vulnerable.

Opportunity in disaster

By: Joyce Okuta

Nabara Self Help Group is based in Salabani location approximately 13 Kms from Marigat town. The area is accessible through a dusty and perilous road especially during rainy season. It consists of 52 youth among these 32 are male while 20 are Female.

Some of the houses that were submerged by bursting of Lake Baringo

It was formed in 2012 after the communities living around Lake Baringo were displaced due to floods; this led to loss of lives and properties. The group came together with a common interest to see how they would use the floods for development.

How they began 
Since the group members are youth, they decided to pull labor by creatively digging trenches to harvest the lake water and a reservoir for irrigating their crops. They pump water using generators in their 10 acre piece of land owned by the group, they practice furrow irrigation.

Water reservoir where the group pumps water for irrigation

The group planted water melon on 6 acres and had bumper harvest, they got over KSh 800,000. This gave them confidence to venture into other crops like vegetables, tomatoes, beans and grass.

Nabara S.H.G used the money to extend their farm, bought sahiwal bull for upgrading programme within the group. Members who were displaced were able to buy land and built houses, paid school fees for their children, bought 4 motorbikes and saved the rest of the money in their bank account.

   

Redirected water from Lake Baringo to the main reservoir

The groups' innovation has recently attracted well wishers and NGOs who support them like Network for Ecofarming in Africa (NECOFA), they offer seeds, training and exposure tour. 

The ministry of Agriculture has also been very instrumental in training the group and linking them with partners for support.

Activities 
Apart from farming Nabara S.H.G have merry-go-round and they visit their group members in case of problem. They empower their members by improving their living standards through assisting the less fortunate in the society.

bumper harvest

Challenges 
Lack of Market for produce is a major constraint among the group since they rely on middlemen who exploit them. 

The trenches they dug are not wide enough to contain large volume of water thus sometimes the water is not sufficient to irrigate the farm.

The pipes they use are small hence one takes more than 8 hours to irrigate 1 acre piece of land.

Experience 
The group realized that the soil in their farm was fertile and reduced the use of fertilizer, a factor they attribute to abundant harvest. 

They also realized that water from the lake is salty hence the reduction in using chemicals.

Positive impacts of floods to Nabara Group in promoting food security.

 The group feels that they have achieved a lot as youth since they have converted disaster into development. 

Climate change project unveiled in Baringo County

By Joyce Okuta

Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) has begun a one year project implementation on climate change on behalf of Act Change Transform (Act!).

The objective of the project is to enhance community resilience to the impacts of climate change for improved livelihood in Baringo, Kajiado and Laikipia counties.

“The proposed Project will be implemented by ALIN in partnership with the Sunculture Company  from April 2014- April 2015,” said Noah Lusaka ALINs’ Project Manager.

 ALIN and its Partner visited Baringo County to introduce the project and to survey on possible sites for installing linear shower mobile Irrigation system on 28Th April 2014.

A meeting was held at GTI in Kabarnet to highlight and deliberate on climate change issues in the county and how ALIN would partner with various stakeholders to effectively implement the project.

The project is aimed at strengthening policy formulation infrastructure at national and county level. It will tackle a number of issues to address inadequate community capacity and lack of access to appropriate information on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Speaking during the stakeholders meeting, Noah Lusaka said that, ALIN will work closely with county leaders, partners and will hold community consultative meetings to ensure success of the project. 

The county minister for Environment Hon. Caroline Tenges said that community resilience is prioritized in the CIDP and climate change is integrated.

“Communities in Baringo County have been affected by massive soil erosion leading to displacement. My ministry is planning to integrate adaptation and mitigation measures by promoting tree planting in every 10 homesteads.”Said Hon Tenges.

The project will also promote SMART agriculture through promotion of Solar power drip technology, ALIN has partnered with Sunculture Company to achieve this to support Agri-business.

The technology is innovative and will help communities adapt and cope with the effects of climate change increasing their resilience and governance of their scarce natural resources.

The project will play a key role in lobbying for inclusion of climate change in County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and allocation of finances to support climate change.

The team paid courtesy to the ministry of water and irrigation based in Baringo County Head quarters.

Hon. Job Tomno, CEC member for water and irrigation in Baringo County said that the population growth is high and accessibility to water is a challenge to majority of communities in Baringo County. 

“The county has 150,000 acres potential for irrigation yet only 5,000 acres has been utilized.” Added Hon Tomno.

He promised that his ministry will support especially in promoting rain water harvesting for food security and will also give technical support in the ACT project.

54 Million In support of Baringo County Irrigation Scheme

By Henry Nyamweya

Eldume Irrigation Scheme of Baringo County in Marigat Sub-County, has received 54 Million from National Irrigation Board. The funds will be used for rehabilitation and extension of the scheme to increase the outcome this year.

This project is situated along the Marigat – Loboi road in Eldume Location. It is accessible within 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from Marigat trading Centre. The local community farmers usually grow maize, beans, vegetable, onions, Water-melons, tomatoes by canal Irrigation method of application.

This was revealed during a stakeholders meeting at the project site while handing and taking over the site to incoming contractor. Several Government officials, IRRICO International Limited and the Farm beneficiaries attended the occasion which was held on 28/3/2014.

It was a joyous moment for the farmers of Eldume Irrigation scheme as they sat waiting to hear whether their expectations will be answered by Eng. Ogendo the Chief Officer Rift Valley Region of National Irrigation Board.

“Since completion of Phase 1 works, there has been a lot of water in the canals. As a result of this, it has resulted in lots of outcome from the project investment hence poverty reduction within the project area,” said the Eldume Irrigation Scheme Chairman.

The Water Officer from Marigat Sub-County Mr. Omwando commended the farmers for being hardworking by making maximum use of the donor funds of Phase 1.

 He further said that National Irrigation Board has been very kind and generous to the project beneficiaries. As a result, they have acted in a timely manner in terms of funds allocation and disbursement.

“Phase 2 development funds will improve the socio-economic status of the local community upon completion. Therefore, the incoming contractor is at liberty to discharge his duties freely without any fear and exhibit quality work and good workmanship,” Added Mr. Omwando.

Eng Ogembo leading the team to the intake site

The Chief Officer Rift Valley Region of  National Irrigation Board,  Eng. Ogendo gave a brief history of the project funding and at the same time appreciated the input of the local community farmers’ efforts for the good results coming out of Phase 1 implementations.

The contract is valued to an amount of Kenya Shillings Fifty Four (54) Million up to completion of Phase 2. These will cover all the activities mentioned in the project area only as documented. As a result of this an estimated total of 1500 acres of land up from 1000 acres of land are expected to be cultivated for use.

“Farmers whose crops are about to mature should not be disturbed during the implementation of the project. Prior arrangement should be done in favour of the farmers to avoid crop failure”. Said Eng. Ogendo

He stressed that water use during this period should be critically planned between the farmers and the contractor more especially where water diversion is required.

The resident Engineer of the  Project will be Eng. Wilson Chepkonga who will be assisted by Eng. Philip Rotich. The contract period will be 12 working months within this calendar year.

Eng. Kemei of NIB Perkerra appreciated the works to be undertaken by the contractor because it is varied and favorable to the farmers. He cited good working relations between farmers and NIB and promised to assist in constructing the roads within the project area.

The project site was officially handed over by the Project Chairman for commencement of the proposed works for site office construction and actual works implementation. The local administration assured the contractor maximum security and protection of the properties and personnel while working in the project area.

A section of farm field at Eldume irrigation scheme

On behalf of IRRICO International limited, Eng. Stephine Wambua readily accepted the site for commencement of the proposed works as stipulated in the contract document.

He said that IRRICO Company will send relevant professional expertise to the site immediately for the purpose of spearheading the project efficiently. He further said that locally available professional will be considered for hiring where necessary.

At the same time, he requested for maximum cooperation from the management for effective and quality works output. However, he promised to work consultatively and closely with the local community for the betterment of the project owners.

The Engineer promised that the company will strive to complete the proposed works within the shortest time to allow water usage potentially. This will increase acreage and crop production in the next planting season.

Honey producing Group Develops to a company

By Joyce Okuta

Kapkuikui Bee Keepers Company limited was yesterday launched in pomp and colour at Kapkuikui Location, Baringo County, to open opportunities for marketing honey.

The business development was facilitated by Baraka Agricultural College, PELUM Kenya, PELUM Uganda and Ford Foundation. This was done through PELUMs’ PESA Agro marketing model, an advocacy programme that focuses on improving small holders’ farmers’ access to markets.

In attendance were officials from the County Government, PELUM Kenya, Baraka Agricultural College and an official from Irish Foundation for co-operative Development limited.

The occasion was graced by Baringo County Director of agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Mary Sang. She challenged beekeepers that the production of honey in the county is low and they need to target over 100 tons per year.

“Working in groups will ensure that the targets for the quantity of honey in the county is achieved, hence reduction of poverty level,” said Hon Sang.

She asserted that farmers need to efficiently use their time in farms to ensure food security at house hold level.

Ms Ann, from PELUM appealed to the government to ensure that the policies bear the interest of the farmer and support in sustainable agricultural practices to develop honey value chain.

“Baringo is one of the leading counties in honey production, yet only 30% has been exploited,” said Ann.

 Kapkuikui Livestock Improvement self help group was formed in 2003 with 27 members, the membership has now increased to 32 and is planning to explore opportunities for medicinal honey.

“We are glad because this is a dream come true, we also realized that we can make more money by selling processed honey than crude honey.” Said Simon Chesang’, Chairman, kapkuikui Beekeepers Company limited.

Kapkuikui honey is now available in supermarkets, it is branded: Lake Bogoria Acacia honey .The Company is funded by Irish Foundation for Co-operative Development to complete construction of a honey refining factory.

Lustful Men Warned against Young girls in Baringo County

By Henry Nyamweya 

Residents of East Pokot Sub-County have been warned against marrying off school going girls. Men aspiring to marry young girls aged as low as 12 years have been put on stiff notice if they don’t desist from such indecency act.

“Preferred judgment will be leveled against the perpetrators once they are caught by the long arm of the Government.”Warned Mr. Orieny, District Officer, East Pokot.

He further reiterated that there have been rife cases whereby parents are lured into marrying off their school girls to men as old as 65 years. 

According to the Pokot culture, the girl child is supposed to undergo circumcision at an early age of between 9 to 12 years. After a one month ceremony of the rite, the girl's parents look for a man to take their girl for marriage.

The parents do not consider the age of the man taking their girl and in most cases, very old men whose age is the same as the girl's father marries the girl off for 60 goats, 30 cows and 5 to 10 camels which to them is a lot of wealth that they consider would not otherwise receive if they take their girl child to school.

The government and Non Governmental organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that the girl child is protected and gets education.

House to house check - up is likely to be conducted within the local communities to ascertain the cause of school drop out at the beginning of the year.