United Church Of Canada Partners With NCCK To Enhance Development And Environment Efforts In Athi Ward

By Samuel Ouma

The United Church of Canada and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) have joined forces to make Athi Ward in Kitui County, Kenya's Lower Eastern, more sustainable and climate resilient.

The project, which targets Athi's three locations, namely Athi, Kalivu and Maluma and four sub-locations of Kilawa, Kalivu,  Katilini and Monguni, seeks to improve Athi's adaptation and mitigation to climate change, as well as to restore and maintain biodiversity and improve livelihoods.

Dubbed Nature Plus, the project has three outcome areas: Nature Base Solution, livelihood, and governance of the locally available natural resources such as forests, rivers, and sand.

At least 2160 households will get drought-tolerant seeds and tree seedlings as part of the project. Some drought-tolerant seeds to be donated are cowpeas and green grams.

Such crops will increase farmer productivity, safeguard their income sources, and maintain market supply continuity, thus improving food security.

According to research, drought-tolerant crops can thrive under water-limited conditions due to their natural genetic properties that enable productive yields even during periods of drought.

These crops can also aid in conserving water resources, mitigating the effects of water shortages, and improving agricultural systems' long-term viability.

Farmers will also be trained in beekeeping, which will help them earn more money, improving their economic situation.

Furthermore, women will be trained in the production and use of homemade jikos to foster long-term employment and the distribution of wealth among the locals.

Homemade jikos save energy and help preserve local ecosystems by decreasing the need for excessive wood or charcoal production.

The project will also include the construction of earth and sand dams in conjunction with the locals and county government to offer a reliable water supply.

Aside from water use, the dams will boost agricultural productivity, improve soil conservation, and help to mitigate climate change.

“In each sub-location, we shall build three sand dams. These dams are vital water storage and conservation structures that may help society, the economy, and the environment,” said NCCK Lower Eastern Regional Manager Nzembi.

The planned project's key targets are women, people with disabilities, youths, and men. It will be carried out in collaboration with local churches, schools, government agencies, and other stakeholders.