In the months from July to September 2023, Africa’s Voices launched “We need collective action” in the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) region. This project, carried out in partnership with the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) through Uraia Trust and with additional support in form of a grant from Luminate, aimed to involve the community in adapting to climate change. The results of these three-months effort were made possible through engaging radio shows and on-the-ground forums.
Radio shows
Africa’s Voices took the message to the airwaves with four weekly radio shows on Mbaitu FM, Athiani FM, and Ene FM. These shows became a hub for community discussions, receiving an incredible 15,361 messages from 3,060 people. Featuring local experts mainly from the county governments and local civil society organisations, the radio shows not only educated but also made the community feel involved.
On-the-Ground Forums:
Africa’s Voices also organised three impactful forums addressing challenges faced by marginalised groups. These forums gave a voice to 113 hard-to-reach participants, ensuring that everyone, regardless of literacy levels, was heard and valued. The focus for these forums was the youth, women and persons living with disabilities. These forums enriched the insights gathered from the community.
Root causes: 72% linked climate change impacts to deforestation, highlighting the need for afforestation and reforestation.
Civic-led solutions: 44.7% suggested proactive measures like tree planting, demonstrating the potential for community centered reforestation.
Awareness gap: 37.4% reported unawareness of county government initiatives, emphasising the need for more awareness campaigns.
Water Concerns: 26.4% prioritised water availability, stressing the need for investments in projects that provide water, first for domestic but also for water projects.
The key findings paved the way for strategic recommendations aimed at building climate resilience in the SEKEB region. The key recommendations from the project were:
The “We need collective action” project has sparked a positive change in SEKEB Region. As these recommendations turn into actions, the region is moving towards a resilient future, driven by collective efforts and inclusive dialogue. The journey continues, with citizen voices shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient tomorrow in South Eastern Kenya.
