Kenya has launched the “Transforming Livelihoods Through Climate Resilient, Low Carbon, Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains”(TUNZA project) in the Lake Region Economic Block to strengthen climate -resilient agriculture.
Speaking during the launch, P.S. Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng Festus K. Ng’eno hailed the TUNZA Project noting that it seeks to address environment and climate challenges in the Lake Region Economic Block .The region which supports millions of livelihoods through fishery and agriculture is threatened by harsh climatic conditions including flooding, unpredictable rainfall and droughts.
“These challenges are already impacting agricultural productivity and food security in a region where agriculture employs about 72 per cent of the working population,” Dr. Ng’eno stated.
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How TUNZA Project Will Support Sustainability
The Tunza Project is a collaborative initiative that’s funded by Green Climate Fund that will support over 200,000 people in the region . Through support by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), TUNZA promotes climate smart agriculture and supports smallholder farmers with access to climate information.
The initiative will support low-carbon development pathways through the transport, land use and energy sectors with a with an estimated carbon sequestration potential of over 12 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
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Highlighting the country’s efforts in strengthening the climate policy framework, Dr. Ngeno cited milestones in the climate sector including carbon market regulations, National climate change Action plan( 2023-2027) and Climate Change Act (2016) that aim to enhance sustainable development.
He called for teamwork and collaboration across counties and value chains. He urged farmers and various stakeholders to take an active role in driving the success of the TUNZA project. He stated, ”The evaluation at the end of six years should reflect the teamwork and commitment demonstrated throughs, out implementation,”
The TUNZA project will align ongoing programmes in the Lake Victoria Basin in a bid to build long-term resilience and sustainability in the Lake region.
The project launch was chaired by Treasury Cabinet Secretary , Hon John Mbadi and co-chaired by Kisumu Governor, Prof Anyang Nyong’o. Among the attendees were, FAO Representative in Kenya, Farayi Zimudzi,a representative of the Royal Danish Embassy, Denis Von Platen , PS Cooperatives and Patrick Kilemi among other stakeholders.
