By Irene Sciurpa | Project Manager
Dear Friends,
Here we are back from West Pokot!
The agropastoral peoples of West Pokot have had a difficult few months due to increasingly prolonged period of drought, which are affecting local populations' livelihoods. In this context, CEFA's presence in the region, is always particularly significant and it aims to increase the resilience of rural communities to the effects of climate change. In the past few weeks, we have kept supporting rural people by providing drought-resistant crop trainings, beekeeping activities, seedling distribution for natural sensitive agriculture, and working on the construction of water points, to provide access to water for people and livestock.
In the following paragraphs, we will try to tell you a little bit more about what we did in the last few weeks and the results that we obtained.
Modern Beekeeping
Beekeepers and farmers have been extracting and harvesting raw honey in the Honey Processing Units, that was built the last year. This honey has then been packed and sold in tiny local marketplaces for a quantity of more than 7 tons. Furthermore, in June and July, trainings in the local carpentry on the construction of modern hives have been provided, to assure farmers' empowerment and ownership in beekeeping.
In addition, 50 beekeepers’groups have attended training courses on modern beekeeping procedures as well as wax production preparation, which adds value to their activities, by providing a greater income for locally produced wax. Farmers not only have a sustainable source of income thanks to beekeeping, but they also conserve the area where they live and the biodiversity present there.
Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture and Drought-Resistant Seedlings
A demonstration plot was built in June 2023, where various crops such as cassava, pawpaw, and sorghum were planted. Nutrition sensitive agriculture helps rural populations build their resilience to soil erosion and land degradation, which is why we continued to teach farmers on NSA practices in these months, assisting them to learn crop performance and management. Furthermore, 100 farmers received NSA seeds such as green grams or cowpeas, ensuring the diversification of rural communities' nutritional needs.
Water Points
CEFA is helping to develop 5 water points in West Pokot County. Indeed, access to water is critical for agro-pastoral communities to maintain the survival of their livelihoods, especially when droughts become increasingly extended and intense.During these months of works, meetings with local communities have been held to identify the site and arrange the activities.
Training were also held with the Water Users Associations, which are community-based committees whose purpose is to assure local, bottom-up management of water points while protecting the people of West Pokot's ownership.
Join the transformation and contribute to CEFA's ongoing assistance to West Pokot communities! Your support is crucial in sustaining our efforts to deliver beekeeping, NSA and drought-resilient crops trainings, promote sustainable agriculture practices, construct water points and cattle troughs, establish a resilient tree nursery, and procure drought resistant seeds, seedlings and equipment for the benefit of our local farmers. Your generous help will allow us to make even greater steps toward bettering the lives of these communities!
The warmest regards,
Irene Sciurpa
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