HOMA BAY: The fight against climate change has gained momentum in Homa Bay County after the county government disbursed funds for environment conservation to groups. Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga disbursed funds totaling Sh12.3 million to 82 groups from all 40 wards in the county, with each receiving a grant of Sh150,000.
According to Kenya News Agency, the funds were issued through the Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme. The FLLoCA is undertaken in collaboration with the National Government, County Government, the World Bank, and other donors. The Governor stated that each group will use the funds to plant 100,000 tree seedlings in nursery beds at their villages. Upon maturity, the groups will sell the seedlings to governmental and non-governmental agencies and individuals, and also plant them to improve tree cover in the area.
Governor Wanga, accompanied by her deputy Oyugi Magwanga and Environment County Executive Committee Member Joash Aloo, distributed cheques to the groups in Homa B
ay Town. She assured the groups that her administration will prioritize buying seedlings from them once they mature. Wanga expressed optimism about the program’s potential to combat the adverse effects of climate change in the county.
The Governor highlighted the challenges faced by water towers in the county due to environmental degradation, citing deforestation as a significant issue affecting forests like Gwassi, Kodera, Lambwe, and Gembe. She emphasized the importance of the programme in conserving the environment and improving food security, noting the link between environmental degradation and the droughts and floods experienced in the county.
Wanga also mentioned that the project serves as a source of livelihood for beneficiaries. Deputy Governor Magwanga urged the groups to use the funds wisely to transform their lives and encouraged the planting of marketable trees suitable for local climatic conditions. Dr. Aloo stated that water projects would also be implemented as part of the FLLoCA programme.