WEST POKOT, Kenya – Residents of West Pokot County have a reason to smile after CEFA (European Committee for Agricultural Training) Kenya and Somalia partnered with the regional government in a bid to strengthen food security and tackle climate change-related issues.
Y News understands that West Pokot is an arid region where the drought has devastating effects on the livelihoods of rural communities.
This week, CEFA made a significant impact in Endugh Ward within West Pokot, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Through climate-smart farming, irrigation projects, and economic empowerment initiatives, local farmers have now been equipped with skills to withstand climate-related challenges.
However, county leaders emphasise the need for additional efforts, particularly in addressing water shortages, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate change.
What are some of CEFA’s notable flagship programs
For instance, during a strategic meeting at Governor Simon Kachapin’s residence, CEFA’s Program Manager for Gender Equity, Irene Sciurpa, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustainable, community-driven solutions.
“At CEFA, we are keen on initiating interventions in food security, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH),” said Irene, stressing that strong partnerships with the county government and stakeholders are essential for long-term success.
Y News has established that one of CEFA’s flagship programs, the “Ustahimilivu Project”, has significantly boosted agricultural productivity in the region.
So far, 6,300 improved mango seedlings have been distributed to farmer groups, increasing yields and household incomes.
Additionally, drought-resistant seeds have been provided alongside training on nutrition-sensitive agriculture, equipping farmers with skills to adapt to climate change.
How CEFA supports beeking in West Pokot County
To address water scarcity, five new water points have been constructed, benefiting 250 households and their livestock.
Additionally, farmers have also embraced beekeeping as an alternative source of income.
CEFA supports resilience-building through training on modern beekeeping and beehive distribution for beekeepers, construction of honey processing units, and beehive carpentry.
At Kriich Secondary School, CEFA is implementing the RISE Project, which focuses on women empowerment, gender equality, and climate-smart agriculture training for farmers.
Raphael Mnangat, a local, told Y News that by strengthening climate resilience, it is not only a way of protecting the vulnerable systems but also laying the groundwork for long-term development.
“Such initiatives minimise the risks associated with future climate threats while strengthening food security in equal measure,” Mnangat said.
How is West Pokot County achieving food security
Governor Kachapin lauded CEFA’s efforts, acknowledging that climate-smart agriculture has played a crucial role in enhancing food security across the county.
However, he raised concerns over the rapid degradation of the Mtelo Escarpment, calling for urgent reforestation efforts and stronger conservation measures.
“I want to take this opportunity to urge our people, government officials, and development partners to join hands in protecting catchment areas and restoring the environment before the situation worsens,” said Governor Kachapin.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker and Endugh MCA Victor Siywat, Majority Leader Martin Komongiro, County Secretary Jonathan Siwanyang, and CECs Wilfred Longronyang (agriculture and livestock), Rebecca Kide (education) and William Petot (water, natural environment and climate change), alongside Chief of Staff Tyno Rotino and a delegation from
Currently, in Kenya, the increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme environmental shocks caused by climate change has exacerbated the condition of food and nutrition insecurity of the most vulnerable households, causing erosion of livelihoods, a decrease in crop production, and loss of livestock.
Why regions such as West Pokot are vulnerable
Arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) communities, including in West Pokot, where the main livelihoods are pastoralism and agro-pastoralism, are particularly affected and vulnerable to such events.
In the context of unpredictable climate change, the ongoing project contributes to climate change resilience, adaptation, and sustainable economic development of rural communities in West Pokot through diversification of livelihoods, enhanced water availability, and improved food security in a multi-sectoral intervention.
Y News knows the project is built on the foundation that people have the right to be the main actors of their change.
The long-term impact of the project is that it aims at creating a model of sustainable development in the community by ensuring equal access to resources, improved well-being for all, and resilience to climate change.
