Tana River County is now a key beneficiary of the Weather and Climate Information Services for Africa (WISER) Kenya project. Unveiled recently, this initiative, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and coordinated by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Center (ICPAC), aims to help local communities better prepare for climate-induced disasters such as floods and droughts, which are common in the county.
Focus on Local Climate Adaptation
Tana River, a county frequently affected by extreme weather events, is set to benefit from critical climate information that will enhance disaster preparedness and response. Through the WISER Kenya project, the county will establish a County Climate Information Service (CCIS) designed to streamline the dissemination of weather and climate updates. This will provide farmers, community leaders, and other stakeholders with timely and relevant information through easily accessible mobile platforms. By enabling the local population to access these climate insights, the project will significantly improve their ability to adapt to changing conditions and mitigate climate risks.
During the launch event, Calistas Wachana from ICPAC explained the importance of the project, stating, “This project is about harnessing weather and climate information to improve local resilience. It aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of communities to face extreme weather events and disasters.” By delivering this crucial information, the WISER Kenya project seeks to empower communities, enabling them to make informed decisions that can reduce vulnerability to climate change.
Local Commitment to Climate Change Solutions
The county government of Tana River has demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate risks by allocating over Ksh92 million from its development budget to support various climate change mitigation strategies. According to Tana River Environment and Climate Change CEC, Mathew Baboya, the funds will be used to support a range of initiatives, including water access, climate-smart agriculture, and the restoration of mangroves in the Tana Delta. These efforts will complement the objectives of the WISER Kenya project, creating a more robust framework for climate adaptation in the county.
Baboya highlighted the significance of the WISER project, noting, “As Kenya works to create a sustainable future, WISER’s launch marks a significant milestone in local climate adaptation efforts. With continued partnership, the project promises to reduce the impact of climate extremes and empower communities with the tools to safeguard lives and livelihoods.”
Focus on Vulnerable Groups
The benefits of the WISER Kenya project are expected to extend beyond farmers to include other vulnerable groups within the community, such as women, children, and persons with disabilities. Millicent Akinyi, the County’s Coordinator for Gender Issues, emphasized the broader social impact of the initiative, stating, “This project will impact not only Tana River but also Garissa, given the shared challenges, particularly during floods and droughts. It will allow us to gather accurate data on vulnerable populations to inform county planning and budgeting.”
The project aims to ensure that the most at-risk individuals in society are also included in climate adaptation efforts. By targeting these groups, the WISER Kenya project ensures that no one is left behind in the fight against climate change, especially those who are most vulnerable during disasters.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
While the initial focus is on Tana River, the WISER Kenya project is expected to have a wider regional impact. The project will benefit neighboring counties, particularly Garissa, which faces similar climate challenges. Through improved climate data and information-sharing systems, counties will be better equipped to plan and coordinate their responses to extreme weather events, ultimately fostering stronger regional collaboration.
By harnessing the power of accurate climate data, the WISER Kenya project is not only helping Tana River County and its neighbors to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change but also setting a precedent for other regions in Kenya and beyond. With continued investment in climate-smart practices and local adaptation initiatives, the WISER Kenya project is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives and livelihoods of communities in Tana River and other vulnerable areas across the country.
A Step Toward Sustainable Climate Solutions
As the world grapples with the accelerating impacts of climate change, local-level adaptation projects like WISER Kenya offer a glimmer of hope. By equipping communities with the tools to understand and respond to climate risks, the project helps safeguard the future of some of Kenya’s most vulnerable populations. Through collective efforts and ongoing support, Tana River County’s resilience to climate extremes will be significantly enhanced, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
