FAO and Japan Launch Water Management Project to Support Vulnerable Communities in Kenya and Rwanda

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Japan have joined forces to launch a water management project aimed at aiding vulnerable communities in Kenya and Rwanda. This project seeks to rehabilitate essential community water management structures, thus protecting livelihoods and enhancing productive capacities amid ongoing climate challenges.

The Food Insecurity Crisis in Eastern Africa

The Eastern Africa region is currently facing a grave food insecurity crisis, with approximately 41 million individuals identified as highly food insecure and urgently in need of assistance. The causes of this crisis are complex and multifaceted, encompassing climate extremes, conflict, and economic hardships. Recent years have seen communities enduring a historic six-season drought, severely crippling agricultural productivity. In addition, severe flooding has further complicated the situation, threatening food access and security.

According to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the region witnessed above-average rainfall during the May–July 2024 season, potentially signaling a respite following the prolonged drought that affected the land until early 2023. However, while increased rainfall may be beneficial for agricultural prospects, it also heightens the risk of flooding and landslides, which can devastate infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods.

Project Overview: Water Management in Migori County, Kenya

The newly launched project in Kenya will primarily focus on Migori County, recognized as one of the most vulnerable regions in the country. The initiative involves constructing community water reservoirs, known as water pans, specifically designed to capture and store excess storm runoff. This is crucial in lowland areas, where heavy rains often result in flooding that jeopardizes road infrastructure, farms, and residential areas.

The project aims to build large community water pans capable of holding approximately 70,000 cubic meters of storm runoff. These reservoirs are expected to support about 500 households—equivalent to approximately 2,500 people—by irrigating over 40 hectares (about 100 acres) of land. The cultivated land will be planted with nutritious crops and certified hybrid rice seeds, significantly improving food security for local families.

Empowering Women and Youth

A notable component of the project focuses on empowering women and youth entrepreneurs. The initiative plans to introduce grain threshers for use in rice and cereal processing, available for rent. To facilitate this, five groups, each comprising ten members, will be formed across the rice-growing areas, collectively supporting 50 households or around 250 individuals. This approach not only enhances agricultural productivity but also creates income-generating opportunities for marginalized community members.

Rwanda’s Water Management Initiatives

The project also extends its reach to Rwanda, targeting 5,775 households (approximately 28,875 people) in the Rutsiro and Burera Districts. Here, the initiative will focus on rehabilitating vital infrastructure, including flood control canals, retention ponds, and culverts. In addition to enhancing physical infrastructure, the project will implement awareness campaigns and training sessions to educate communities about water-related disaster risks, preparedness, and responses.

The necessity of such initiatives is underscored by the region’s history of alternating drought and flooding. Training local populations to understand and manage their water resources is essential for building resilience against future climate shocks.

The Significance of International Collaboration

During the project launch, Mr. Tetsuto Inagaki from the Mission of Japan to the African Union emphasized the urgency of the initiative, given the unprecedented food insecurity crisis facing East Africa. He expressed confidence that the project, in collaboration with FAO, would empower vulnerable communities in both Kenya and Rwanda to overcome their challenges and enhance food security.

Inagaki stated, “Japan is not only willing to make its efforts to promote the development of Africa but is also very keen to learn from Africa.” This sentiment underscores the value of international cooperation in addressing global challenges, particularly those related to climate change and food security.

Local Commitment and Support

The Migori County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary Services, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, Lucas Mosenda, expressed gratitude for the project, noting its alignment with the county’s vision and initiatives. He pledged the government’s commitment to improving water access for communities in lower Migori County, which are particularly vulnerable to climatic shocks.

Local commitment is critical for the project’s success, as sustainable change often requires not just external support but also strong backing from local authorities and communities. This partnership is essential in ensuring that the initiatives are tailored to meet the specific needs of the communities they aim to serve.

A Timely Response to Climate Challenges

Farayi Zimudzi, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa ad interim, highlighted the project’s importance in light of the recent flooding and landslides that have caused extensive damage across the region. These natural disasters have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of populations, and destruction of farmlands and critical infrastructure.

Zimudzi remarked, “This project is timely to support the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in the two countries and serve as proof of concept that disastrous floods may be turned into productive use by rehabilitating water infrastructures to mitigate immediate impacts while addressing some of the root causes of these repeated shocks in Kenya and Rwanda.” His comments capture the project’s dual focus: addressing immediate needs while working to prevent future crises.

Community Involvement and Awareness

The project’s success hinges not only on the construction of water management infrastructure but also on the active involvement of community members. To foster this engagement, the initiative includes comprehensive awareness campaigns aimed at educating local populations about the significance of sustainable water management practices. By promoting understanding and ownership of these resources, the project seeks to empower communities to take charge of their water management strategies.

Training sessions will cover various topics, including efficient irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and maintenance of the newly constructed water pans. By equipping community members with the necessary skills and knowledge, the project aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure and its positive impact on food security.

Mitigating Future Risks

The water management project is designed not only to address current food insecurity but also to build resilience against future climate-related shocks. By creating infrastructure to manage excess rainfall and flooding, the initiative seeks to minimize the risk of crop failure and infrastructure damage during extreme weather events.

Moreover, the focus on sustainable agricultural practices, such as the introduction of certified hybrid rice seeds and efficient irrigation techniques, will enhance the communities’ ability to produce food even in challenging conditions. This proactive approach is crucial in a region where climate variability poses an ongoing threat to food security.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Resilience

As the FAO and the Government of Japan embark on this critical water management project, it represents not only a response to immediate challenges but also a proactive approach to building resilience among vulnerable communities in Kenya and Rwanda. By investing in water management infrastructure and empowering local populations, the initiative aims to lay the groundwork for improved food security and sustainable development in a region profoundly affected by climate change.

The collaborative efforts between international organizations and local governments underscore the importance of solidarity in addressing global challenges. As the project unfolds, it will serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity and enhancing resilience in the face of climate variability across the African continent and beyond.

Through this initiative, both countries aim to foster a more sustainable future, ensuring that vulnerable communities can withstand the challenges posed by climate change and food insecurity, ultimately paving the way for a more resilient Eastern Africa.