Nairobi: With unprecedented adverse effects of climate change, the Danish government has donated a Sh907.9 million grant to boost the efforts of Northern Kenya and coastal region communities in addressing the menace. The grant will be utilized in a four-year project implemented by the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) in providing nature-based solutions including forest restorations, coastal mangroves and at the same time encourage the use of renewable energy.
According to Kenya News Agency, the latest grant through the Danish Development Agency (DANIDA) has now seen total allocation to the resilience to climate change project rise to Sh4 billion in the last 13 years. One of the projects being implemented is the restoration of 22 hectares of the Ngare Ndare forest in Meru County with indigenous trees and the improvement of water catchment areas.
David Kinyua, Ngare Ndare forest trust chairman, explains that they grow both exotic and indigenous seedlings. He emphasizes the importance of indigenous seedlings for forest restoration, while exotic ones are planted on nearby farms to ease the demand for firewood. To encourage community involvement, they have introduced a “one for one” initiative where a resident receives an extra tree seedling after purchasing one. Over 10 million tree seedlings have been distributed since 2010 through this initiative.
According to NRT, Nature Based Project Director Dida Fayo, extreme climate conditions have necessitated livelihood sustainability and nature restoration in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Northern Kenya and Coastal areas communities, which are significantly impacted by climate change. Laikipia County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha highlights that the grant will help address resource-based conflicts in the semi-arid county.
NRT Chief Partnership and Growth Officer Tom Lalampaa reiterates that the grant will enhance access to water, green energy, agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, mangrove restoration, and rangeland management. Nancy Njenga, Head of Climate Resilience at the Royal Danish Embassy, states their commitment to improving livelihoods through conservation, noting past support aimed at enhancing access to water, healthcare, and education for local communities.