RCE Central Kenya - 2018

Climate change adaptation project for communities in Kieni Constituency
CSV
Basic Information
Title of project : 
Climate change adaptation project for communities in Kieni Constituency
Submitting RCE: 
RCE Central Kenya
Contributing organization(s) : 
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
- National Environment Management Authority
Focal point(s) and affiliation(s)
Name: 
Prof. Paul Wambua
Organizational Affiliation: 
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
E-mail: 
dvcrtmcl@dkut.ac.ke
Format of project: 
Manuscript
Language of project: 
English
Date of submission:
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Web link: 
www.dkut.ac.ke
Does this project link to any education and/or sustainable development policy or policies?: 
Yes
Environmental Management and Coordination Act (1999)
At what level is the policy operating?: 
National
Geographical & Education Information
Region: 
Africa and Middle East
Country: 
Kenya
Location(s): 
Nyeri County, Kieni Sub County
Address of focal point institution for project: 
P.O Box 657-10100 Nyeri, KENYA
Ecosystem(s):
Dryland
Target Audience:
Community, Higher, Primary, Secondary
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area : 
Kieni Sub-county remains predominantly dry since it is on the leeward side of both Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges. It is classified as semi arid zone with an average annual rainfall of 500mm and covers an area of 1,378 square kilometers with a population of 175, 812 people. As a result of climate change and variability local communities have experienced changed weather patterns over the last decades. This is evidenced by erratic change of winds and unpredictable rains, floods, inadequate rainfall, drying of rivers and other wetlands and increased frequency of drought.
Description of sustainable development challenge(s) in the area the project addresses: 
Over time water resources in Kieni Sub-County have been under pressure and have continued to be depleted. Seasonal rivers have been drying up whereas perennial rivers have turned into seasonal ones. There are pro-longed droughts and irregularity of rain patterns. As such, the local community face acute challenges in access to water, there is little livelihood diversification as part of contingency plans for droughts, lack of water management technologies to harness surface run-offs and poor storage and sustainable utilization of scarce water resources.
Contents
Status: 
Completed
Period: 
September, 2014 to March, 2015
Rationale: 
Failure by the local community to adapt to climate change and reduce their vulnerability through proper management of their water resources has led to low agricultural and livestock productivity hence food shortage, low incomes and high levels of unemployment. These factors influence socio-economic activities of this community and push them to a cyclical chain of poverty that restricts their development across multiple sectors.

The project sought to address the issue of vulnerability and climate change adaptation by the local communities through building their capacities in water harvesting techniques and sustainable utilization of scarce water resources. It was envisaged that by enhancing their water resources management, the community would be equipped to overcome the effects of climate change. Further, strengthening existing community initiatives would enable other actors in water resource management to effectively deliver their mandates in environment and natural resources sector.
Objectives: 
- To assess water sources in Kieni Sub-County
- To build the capacity of the local community on water harvesting, storage and sustainable utilization
- To strengthen existing community initiatives on environment and natural resources management
Activities and/or practices employed: 
The project activities that were implemented include undertaking an assessment of water sources within the Sub-county; mobilization and sensitization of the local communities; procurement and installation of water tanks and gutter systems; demonstrations and forums for local community on water harvesting, storage and sustainable utilization of water resources; and strengthening the existing community initiatives by training members on their identified management and technical needs.
Size of academic audience: 
1000
Results: 
- Local community trained on water harvesting, storage and sustainable utilization of water resources
- 4 water tanks and gutter system installed in 4 institutions of learning
- Adoption of water harvesting and conservation technologies by households
- Availability of enough and clean water for domestic work, irrigation and for animal
Lessons learned: 
a. Need to enhance community involvement and ownership at all stages of project implementation for purposes of project sustainability.
b. Use of public institutions as a demonstration site had more impact since the community embraced the project with enthusiasm because they communally owned the facility.
c. Implementation of this project in learning institutions impacted positively on adoption of new ideas since young people are seen as agents of change.
d. Need to identify other supporting organizations who can compliment financial resources for the project to be scaled up.
Funding: 
Project funded by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs) and other themes of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
SDG 1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere 
Indirect
SDG 2 - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture 
Indirect
SDG 6 - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 
Direct
SDG 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 
Direct
Theme
Agriculture 
Direct
Global Action Programme (GAP) on Education for Sustainable Development – Priority Action Areas
Priority Action Area 3 - Building capacities of educators and trainers 
Direct
Priority Action Area 5 - Accelerating sustainable solutions at local level 
Direct
Update: 
No