(Homa Bay) – The fight against climate change has received a boost in Homa Bay County following the disbursement of funds for environmental conservation by the county government. Governor Gladys Wanga allocated a total of KSh 12.3 million to 82 groups from all 40 wards in the county. Each group was given KSh 150,000 to support their efforts in environmental conservation.
The funds are part of the Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, a collaborative initiative between the National Government, County Government, the World Bank, and other donors. The primary goal of the program is to promote climate action at the grassroots level, empowering local communities to take charge of their environmental future.
During the cheque distribution ceremony held in Homa Bay Town, Governor Wanga, accompanied by her Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga and the County Executive Committee Member for Environment Joash Aloo, addressed the groups. The Governor explained that the funds would be used to plant 100,000 tree seedlings in nursery beds across the villages in Homa Bay. Once the seedlings mature, the groups will sell them to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. Additionally, the seedlings will be planted to help restore and improve the tree cover in the county.
Governor Wanga reassured the groups that her administration would prioritize purchasing seedlings from these groups whenever they were needed. “Whenever my government needs seedlings, we will give priority to purchasing seedlings from these groups. This will also apply to the National Government whenever they need seedlings,” she stated.
Governor Wanga expressed optimism about the program’s potential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in the county. She highlighted that many of the county’s water towers, which play a crucial role in maintaining rainfall patterns, are facing environmental degradation. Forests like Gwassi, Kodera, Lambwe, and Gembe have suffered from excessive deforestation, exacerbating climate-related issues such as droughts and floods.
Wanga emphasized that the timing of the program was crucial, as much of the county’s forest cover has been destroyed in recent years. “This project will help us to conserve the environment and improve food security,” she said. She further explained that the recurring droughts and floods in the county are direct results of climate change, urging for more proactive steps to restore the ecosystem.
The Governor set an ambitious target of having over eight million seedlings planted in the county to combat the adverse impacts of climate change. She noted that the program not only addresses environmental concerns but also provides a source of livelihood for the groups involved in planting and selling the tree seedlings.
Deputy Governor Magwanga encouraged the groups to use the funds wisely to achieve long-term benefits. “Let every group utilise the funds prudently for the intended purpose,” he said. He also advised the groups to plant trees that are not only marketable but also suitable for the local climate conditions.
Dr. Joash Aloo, the County Executive Member for Environment, added that the FLLoCA program would also include water projects as part of the broader climate action strategy, aiming to address water scarcity and improve the region’s resilience to climate change.
Table: Breakdown of Funds Disbursed under FLLoCA Programme
| Group Count | Funds Allocated (KSh) | Amount per Group (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| 82 Groups | 12.3 million | 150,000 |