By Checky Abuje
The efforts to amplify the locally-led green revolution towards environmental conservation and climate change mitigation through innovative approaches have taken a positive trajectory amongst local conservationists in Busia County.
This follows the initiatives by Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) domiciled within the county in partnership with the County Government to advance an agenda for a green revolution move that envisages a comprehensive approach to environmental conservation, Innovation, and sustainable development to among other interventions curb the adverse effects of climate change.
One such proactive hub of green innovation is Lunabo WRUA, in a remote village of Masendebale, Butula sub-county, making significant strides in environmental conservation and livelihood diversification.
“We have a nursery with a capacity of 1,000 assorted seedlings, and our focus is on a variety of conservation species, including Bamboo, Mysopsis, Gravellier, Acacia, and Albizia to boost the conservation efforts,” one of the members told Africa Science News.
Their focus though is to nurture over 20,000 seedlings for planting.
According to the County Executive for the Department of Water, Environment, Irrigation, Natural Resources, Energy and Climate Change, Engineer Andrew Meso, WRUAS in the county can drive meaningful change in environmental conservation as well as address climate change effects. He lauded their efforts and committed to supporting them through capacity building and financial need to ensure success in their activities.
“We are more than ready as a department to support your initiatives that are geared towards climate change mitigation measures and that ensure lean environment for better human coexistence,” Messo told Africa Science News.
He noted that as a department they are keen to ensure such models succeed through various supportive programs, not only to address immediate ecological needs but also to foster long-term sustainability through diverse initiatives that will also lean towards food security.
However, as local innovative interventions take centre stage among local communities in Busia county, challenges have also abounded one of which is water storage facilities to counter the dry spell.
Lunabo WRUA chairperson Winbold Wangombe acknowledges the challenge and points out posterity measures being undertaken by the Western Kenya Water Project(WKWP)in partnership with the County government of Busia to install water reservoirs with solar pumping equipment.
“This support will not only resolve the water storage issues but also facilitate the expansion of their nursery to meet the growing demand for tree seedlings,” said Wang’ombe.
The County Government of Busia in a solidarity gesture with WRUAs has supported Lunabo WRUA through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Program, Kenya (FLLoCA) through the acquisition of a toothpick machine, which will help in bamboo value addition and provide a ready market for their products as well as economic empowerment to its members.
Other WRUAs in the County that are in line with the green revolution initiative at the grassroots level for a sustainable future include Nambale, Ikonzo, Bumasa, Wakhungu, and Bunyala.