Help build resilience to Climate Crisis in Kenya

Thank you for your donations to this project. This update comes from Beatrice Wambia, Senior Field Officer with Brighter Communities Worldwide Health Programme.

“Climate resilience encompasses the ability of the communities to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change. We are experiencing unpredictable rainfall, longer dry seasons, flooding that leads to deaths in some parts of Kericho county, soil erosion leading to many families struggling because of declining crop yields and increased foods prices.

We are seeing how climate change disproportionally affects women and girls because they are the ones responsible for water collection, farming and caregiving, all impacted by droughts and food shortages. This increases their vulnerability to violence, diseases and even loss of livelihoods. Due to climate change there is increased conflicts in families which leads to increased risks of Gender Based Violence to women and early marriages to girls. Women are 14 times likely to die in a climate change related disaster than men. (UNDP). 

In Ainamoi Sub County, Florence is happy to have received knowledge on climate change and she is happy to plant a tree with a purpose. ‘Thank you brighter communities Worldwide for giving me this avocado seedling, by planting this my family will have fruits and I will also be able to sell the same fruits and have money to buy household needs. This avocado tree will go a long way in helping fight climate change impacts in my community. Asante sana Brighter communities Worldwide,’

In Kipkelion West, mothers and girls are very happy after a spring has been protected in their community ‘We have been traveling for longer distances looking for clean water for use at home, some girls have been forced go to school late because they had to look for water before they go to school. We thank you Brighter Communities Worldwide for protecting this spring which is closer to our home. We will now be able to fetch clean water and also be able to save time to do house hold chores.’

Brighter Communities Worldwide is committed to supporting communities adapt to climate change. Our climate change strategy focuses on four key areas - adaptation, mitigation, awareness and advocacy.

We are working with communities to promote climate smart activities, raising awareness and encouraging communities to embrace kitchen gardens, plant trees with a purpose and undertake water conservation practices.

Our new initiative to mitigate climate change is to train volunteers from communities across Kericho County to become Climate Change Ambassadors. The goal is to create a network of community volunteers who will support their neighbours in adopting these practices, ensuring long-term benefits for families and the environment. The ambassadors will act as community educators, ensuring that families have the knowledge and support to make sustainable changes.

We believe that by working together, we can create a lasting change and help families, communities and even societies become resilient to the challenges of climate change.”

Asante Sana for your generous support.

Mark your calendars!   All donations up to €50 will be matched at 50% between March 25th and 28th during the GlobalGiving Little by Little campaign.