Redefining Climate Adaptation: How Community-driven Research is key to Transforming Africa’s Response to Global Threats

• As part of the Locally Led Adaptation Matrics (LAMA) Project, GIC will deploy 20-30 research assistants across the 14 counties of the Lake Region Economic Bloc to collect essential data that will inform strategies for building climate resilience.
• The goal is to develop joint socio-economic and environmental plans to address climate change impacts in the region.
• Addressing these challenges requires a combination of technological innovation and community-led action to build a sustainable future.

Communities around the Lake Region are being urged to adopt locally driven strategies to combat the effects of climate change. This call was made during a recent youth training session focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The training, organised by the Grassroot Impact Centre (GIC) in Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, gathered over 200 young people from across the Lake Region. The programme emphasised the importance of local involvement in addressing the impacts of climate change, encouraging participants to take an active role in developing and implementing solutions within their communities.

The training concluded with the international launch of the Locally Led Adaptation Matrics (LAMA) Research Project, a significant initiative aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on livelihoods, particularly among small-scale farmers.

The LAMA project stems from a research proposal developed by Dr Jonah Atela and the ARIN team, which was submitted to Canada’s International Development Research Centre. The research will be conducted in both Kenya and Benin, with the Kenyan segment focusing on the 14 counties within the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB).

Counties making up the LREB are: Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia and Kericho.

The GIC is spearheading this critical research initiative in Kenya, focusing on the effects of climate change on local communities, particularly small-scale farmers. As part of the Locally Led Adaptation Matrics (LAMA) Project, GIC will deploy 20-30 research assistants across the 14 counties of the Lake Region Economic Bloc to collect essential data that will inform strategies for building climate resilience.

The research is part of a broader initiative launched by Dr Atela and the ARIN team, in collaboration with Canada’s International Development Research Centre. The project aims to develop effective, community-driven solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on livelihoods.

Speaking on August 21, 2024, at the opening ceremony of a three-day youth training session held at Nyabondo High School, Dr Jonah Atela, the CEO of GIC, urged participants to take full advantage of the training to deepen their understanding of environmental protection.

“Climate change is the greatest threat to life today, and it doesn’t discriminate based on status, age, or class. It affects all of us. We must take this training seriously to find lasting solutions to the effects of climate change,” Dr Atela emphasised.

The training, which brought together youth from across the Lake Region, focused on equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect the environment and contribute to global efforts to restore ecological balance.

The GIC conducted a comprehensive seven-module training programme aimed at empowering youth with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle climate change. The training, which drew participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, offered a unique opportunity for learning, networking, and engagement with various environmental settings.

The programme covered a wide range of topics critical to climate change adaptation, including the fundamentals of climate change, its impacts, response mechanisms, priority sectors and indicators, climate finance and policy, gender and social inclusion, and the role of technology and innovation in addressing climate challenges.

Steve Atela, a coordinator of the training, highlighted the significance of the programme, stating: “This training is about our environment, and it is a privilege to be part of the first climate change adaptation training in Sub-Saharan Africa. As young people, it is a timely moment for us to focus on addressing the challenges posed by climate change.”

The training not only provided participants with essential climate change knowledge but also encouraged them to unlearn outdated practices, relearn new approaches, and connect with others who share a commitment to environmental protection. Participants were reminded of the vital role that technology and innovation play in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Dr Kaleb Mwendwa, a Grants Officer from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), emphasised the importance of leveraging technological advancements and innovative practices, particularly in Africa, where the effects of climate change are most severe.

“In Africa, where climate change impacts are especially harsh, technology is essential for building resilient communities,” Dr Mwendwa stated.

He urged the youth to explore how various technological tools and innovative practices can enhance climate adaptation efforts, raise awareness, and provide practical solutions for grassroots initiatives.

He also highlighted the unique climate challenges faced by Africa and the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and an increase in extreme weather events. He stressed that addressing these challenges requires a combination of technological innovation and community-led action to build a sustainable future.

During the training, experts emphasised the severe impact of climate change on agriculture, forestry, water resources, and overall community livelihoods, which threatens food security in Africa. Dr Mwendwa underscored the potential of mobile technology as a critical tool in addressing these challenges.

“With high mobile phone penetration, mobile technology can disseminate vital climate information. For example, mobile applications can provide farmers with weather forecasts, agricultural advice, and market prices, enabling them to make informed decisions,” he explained.

Prof. Joshia Osamba, Technical Manager at GIC, highlighted the alarming risk faced by Africa’s population, particularly the 50% who depend on farming—a sector highly sensitive to climate variability. He pointed out that local adaptation efforts by small-scale farmers are often overlooked due to the absence of frameworks to capture and report their effectiveness.

“Climate change is destabilising local markets, increasing food and income insecurity, and stalling economic growth across Africa, making an already vulnerable continent even more at risk,” Prof. Osamba warned. He called for more support systems to prioritise and scale up locally led adaptation actions to safeguard the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

He announced that the Locally Led Adaptation Matrics (LAMA) Project will collaborate with the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), which unites 14 counties around Lake Victoria. The goal is to develop joint socio-economic and environmental plans to address climate change impacts in the region.

“The lessons learned in Kenya will be replicated in Gounzul District, Benin, where smallholder farming is crucial but highly vulnerable to climate impacts. However, the experience in building locally led adaptation systems is minimal,” Prof. Osamba explained.

Dr Atela emphasised that the centre is committed to offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and sustainable solutions to the ongoing environmental challenges. “Through empowering youths, we aim to mobilise villages for the better, providing long-lasting solutions to the current environmental troubles,” he stated.

He shared his commitment to youth engagement in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Despite having the option to pursue other activities, he chose to focus on empowering young people, recognising the impact it could have on local communities.

“I had the latitude to engage in other activities, but I made a conscious decision to focus on what would truly benefit our people. Our youths need empowerment, knowledge, and strong networks to explore opportunities and generate income for themselves and their families,” Dr Atela stated.

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He urged the youth to take climate change issues seriously and commit to practices that promote economic growth without harming others. He vowed to continue advocating for a generation of empowered youth, ready to engage in meaningful and sustainable economic activities.

“We are humbled by your attendance and participation in this event. We call upon all of you to use the knowledge gained here to enlighten our communities,” he said. In response, the participants pledged to take action in their communities, committing to work towards a world free from pollution and contamination.

The participants, upon successful completion of the programme, were awarded certificates. During the training, participants were divided into groups to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions aimed at addressing current climate challenges. These collaborative efforts resulted in creative ideas and actionable strategies that could significantly contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change.