First, we wanted to mitigate the effects of the harsh climate by fostering tree growth, providing shade and creating a cooler environment. Secondly, there are high poverty and unemployment rates in Mandera. This program has helped us hit two birds with one stone - not only address climate challenges but also provide stable income opportunities for the vulnerable.
The main economic activity in Mandera County is pastoralism, contributing approximately 72 per cent of the total household income. Cross-border trade, artisanal mining, beekeeping and irrigation-aided agriculture are the other viable ventures. All these activities are affected by climate. Each year, the county and national governments spend millions of shillings on drought mitigation programs focusing on water supply and pasture management. We know this is not going to be sustainable in the long term.
Getting everyone involved
In Mandera, we say, we do not plant trees. We grow them. We systematically plant and nurture trees and have an established water infrastructure to support sustainable forest growth.
The active engagement of indigenous communities, schools and youth was crucial to fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Schools and youth actively participate in tree nurturing, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age. Their involvement was necessary for the program's success.
Mandera Municipality's Afforestation and Greening Programme and Mandera Green Future is an example of how Kenya can practically address climate change through tree planting. We now have an ambitious goal set of achieving climate neutrality objectives or net zero by 2030. These goals will require even higher emission cuts or carbon sequestration which in turn means we must halt desertification and restore our nature until we reach the point where the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is balanced with the capture and storage of these gases in our trees and soil.
Global recognition
In October, Mandera Municipality's Afforestation and Greening Program and Mandera Green Future was among the 21 finalists in the AIPH World Green City Awards. This is the first and only global award for cities where plants and nature are the core focus. As an ongoing competition with entries open every two years, the Awards recognise the role of cities, municipalities and urban authorities in promoting and supporting greater inclusion of plants and nature in urban environments.
The program won the Living Green For Climate Change Award beating Liverpool City and Melbourne City. The Award looked at the benefits of greening, addressing urban challenges, positive solutions, the ability to measure and report impact, measuring resilience and learning and transferability. This has now put Kenya on the global map as a country that is serious about combating climate change.
Mandera has shown that it is possible to restore our cities, towns and urban centres into greener, more comfortable spaces for people to live in. It is possible to turn adversity into opportunity and offer a brighter future for our residents.
The author is the CECM Lands, Housing and Urban Development County Government of Mandera, and Chair Mandera Green Future and Land Sector Forum Chair- FCDC