GUARD Africa Project Transforms Meru County Through Locally Led Adaptation Initiatives

On March 14^th, 2024, the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance, in collaboration with the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), embarked on a significant journey to witness firsthand the strides made in locally-led climate change adaptation projects on the slopes of Mount Kenya. This visit marked the culmination of year 2 of the GUARD Africa project, an endeavor aimed at galvanizing and unifying Africa’s actions for resilient development amidst the challenges of the pandemic era. As the project enters its final phase, the expedition to Meru County served as a poignant demonstration of the tangible impact of community-driven adaptation initiatives. Led by Mr. Ayele Kabede of SIDA, the visit not only offered an opportunity to review achievements and glean valuable insights but also set the stage for strategic deliberations on the future focus of climate resilience efforts in 2024 and beyond.

The day commenced with a courtesy call to the Office of the Governor of Meru County, His Excellency Bishop Kawera Mwangaza, facilitated by Nchamba Mbithi, the Chief of Staff, and County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Eng. Jackson Muthamia. The PACJA team, accompanied by representatives of the Meru Green Champion team, convened at the Governor’s Boardroom to discuss ongoing climate adaptation efforts. The Governor eloquently showcased the relentless commitment of the Meru County Government to bolster and perpetuate locally-driven climate action for its residents. Highlighting the establishment of vital infrastructure such as dams in Tigania, Imenti, and Igembe North, the Governor underscored their pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted water supply, even amidst erratic rainfall patterns. Furthermore, the establishment of a dedicated climate change office allocated a substantial 2% of the county’s budget, stands as a testament to the county’s remarkable strides in addressing climate-related challenges. Such initiatives not only signify commendable achievements but also exemplify a proactive approach towards fostering climate resilience within the community.

The highlight of the visit was the launch of the Greening Meru Initiative Programme, housed under the Directorate of Environment of Natural Resources and Climate Change. This program underscores Meru County’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Among the showcased initiatives was the Kanyenje Spring Restoration project, led by the Kanyenje Community-Based Organization (CBO), which has brought renewed hope to approximately 150 households in the area. This initiative signifies the grassroots-level engagement crucial for effective adaptation strategies.

Another notable stop was the Kianda aggregation center for Sorghum, spearheaded by PACJA under the Tutegrated project, led by James Kanyi. Here, farmers expressed their delight at the improved value chain facilitated by climate adaptation initiatives. The project’s impact on the ground was evident as farmers praised the support received from Unity Sacco, a special-purpose vehicle ensuring financial services reach vulnerable groups affected by climate change.

Unity SACCO, powered by the Tutegrated project, provides essential services such as farm input support, crop maintenance loans, and encourages savings and investment at the grassroots level. This inclusive approach fosters community resilience by empowering local farmers and facilitating sustainable agricultural practices.

As of 12th March, the project had successfully aggregated 271,914 kilograms of sorghum, with projections indicating an increase to over 330,000 kilograms by the week’s end. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in tackling climate challenges and promoting sustainable development.

In conclusion, the GUARD Africa Project’s journey through Meru County exemplifies the power of community-led adaptation initiatives in building resilience and fostering sustainable development. With continued support and collaboration, such initiatives hold the key to a more resilient and prosperous future for African communities in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.