Women, youth get Sh12.3 million to combat climate change

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga distributes cheques to youth and women groups to support them in growing tree seedlings. [James Omoro, Standard]. 

The fight against climate change in Homa Bay received a boost after the county government disbursed Sh12.3 million to various groups for environmental conservation initiatives.

A total of 82 women and youth groups from 40 wards received Sh150,000 each, with the funds disbursed through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the national and county governments, the World Bank, and other donors.

The funds will be used to plant 100,000 tree seedlings in nursery beds within local villages. The seedlings will be sold to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. In addition, the women and youth groups will plant trees to help restore the area's forest cover.

Governor Gladys Wanga, accompanied by her deputy Oyugi Magwanga and Environment CECM Joash Aloo, presented cheques to the groups in Homa Bay Town.

Wanga assured the groups that her administration would prioritize purchasing seedlings from them whenever they are needed. “Whenever my government requires seedlings, we will give priority to buying from these groups, and the national government will do the same,” Wanga said.

The governor expressed optimism that the programme would help Homa Bay combat the impact of climate change. She raised concerns about the environmental degradation of key water towers in the county, such as Gwassi, Kodera, Lambwe, and Gembe forests, which have suffered from deforestation.

“This programme comes at a crucial time as many of our forests are being destroyed by deforestation. Our water towers are also being damaged. This project will help us conserve the environment,” Wanga noted.

She attributed much of the environmental damage to the severe droughts that have affected many parts of the county. “The drought we experience in this county is a result of climate change. We aim to plant more than eight million seedlings, which will play a key role in mitigating climate change,” Wanga added.

She also highlighted that the project would provide a source of livelihood for the beneficiaries.

Deputy Governor Magwanga urged the groups to use the funds responsibly to ensure lasting impact. “Let each group utilize the funds wisely for tree planting,” he said. He also encouraged the groups to plant seedlings that are both marketable and suitable for the local ecological conditions.

"I urge you to plant trees that are not only in demand but also appropriate for the environmental factors in your area," Magwanga advised.

Dr Aloo, the Environment CECM, added that the FLLoCA programme also includes water construction projects, which will be launched soon. “We are also working on water projects under FLLoCA, and these initiatives will transform lives in the county,” he said.