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Maono Space

Creating Fruit Orchards to Support Kilifi’s Children and Schools

Kenya is losing 373.9 billion every year to malnutrition, experts have said. This is equivalent to 6.9 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

Kilifi County, a coastal region, is among the areas heavily affected by malnutrition. According to the Kilifi County malnutrition survey conducted in August 2021, nearly one in two children aged two and below are suffering from malnutrition, while 65 percent of children aged five are not receiving adequate nutrition to thrive. “Some of their mothers cannot produce enough milk due to the severe economic challenges imposed by the ongoing drought in the area,” said Nzomo, a nurse at Kaloleni Dispensary.

Nzomo added that babies are often forced to eat unsweetened maize meal (porridge) daily, which is unsuitable for children at such a critical age. Last year’s survey revealed that more than 15,000 children under the age of two suffer from acute malnutrition, and tragically, only 300 of these have reached our facilities,” said Dr. Nyawa Benzadze, a nutritionist at Kilifi County Referral Hospital. The worst-hit regions are Ganze and Magarini Sub-County. The situation is exacerbated as Kilifi faces the impacts of climate change, including floods and drought. (The Standard newspaper – link)

As a teacher, I have witnessed this situation firsthand. Having visited more than a hundred schools in Kilifi County, from nursery to secondary schools, I have seen the harsh realities of life in this region. Driving from the small town of Malindi onto the dust-filled roads of Xhogwani village in Marafa, I encounter students eager to learn. After registering at the school office, I am guided around by the gateman, who is also a groundsman. I am fortunate to meet the students outside on a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius.

I spot a young boy, around 15 years old, whom I’ll call Charo. Charo seems focused and passionate about returning to class, completing primary education, and advancing to high school, and eventually university. However, given Charo’s health and the visible signs of malnutrition, it’s clear that what he needs most is fresh food, not advanced academic lessons. Early in the morning, Charo has a sorrowful expression. When I engage him, he begins to shed tears and explains that he hasn’t eaten since he left school on Friday. The only meal he had was a cup of tea given by the teacher as a reward for answering all nine questions correctly in a math exercise.

As I tour the school, I notice it has a large farm, though part of the land has been encroached upon by neighbors who plant cassava and maize. During the rainy season, the fertility of the land is apparent in the health of the maize and cassava. However, this is not consistent year-round, as farmers often struggle with changing rainfall patterns due to climate change. This is the same community from which Charo comes. The situation worsens at home, as the community still believes that maize and cassava are the only viable crops.

Charo is forced to walk 18 kilometers to reach the nearest school from his home and another 18 kilometers back in the evening. This distance is comparable to that covered by marathon runners. Charo’s journey is not for medals but for survival—walking long distances in the hot sun without a balanced diet while hoping to acquire knowledge and improve his family’s situation in the future. At school, despite the vast land, Charo and over 500 other students lack a green space for shade. The classrooms are in poor condition, lacking basic amenities like windows, desks, and doors. On sunny days, the children sweat all day in class, sitting on the floor and struggling with dust from the bare ground. Charo is just one among many students I have encountered in my professional journey as a teacher in an area severely impacted by climate change.

Imagine if this school had a fruit orchard where Charo could pick mangoes, oranges, and passion fruits during break time. How happy would Charo be, and how motivated would he be to attend school? After enjoying the fruits, Charo could teach his community to embrace planting fruit trees. Oranges, mangoes, and passion fruits thrive in this region. With mature fruit trees, the school community would better withstand changing rainfall patterns. If the school had one acre of fruit trees—about 500 trees—yielding 100 fruits per tree on the first harvest, that would total 50,000 fruits. This surplus would provide the students and their families with essential vitamins, and the excess could be sold to fund school infrastructure improvements.

Inspired by this vision, Onemilliontrees4kilifi was founded, focusing on “Calling Back the Rains.” One of our major goals is to create fruit orchards in 400 schools in Kilifi to combat malnutrition, create mini forests, and encourage communities to replicate these projects in their villages. Establishing one acre of fruit orchard requires only 150,000 Ksh, totaling 120,000,000 Ksh to create 800 acres of fruit orchards in Kilifi. By achieving this, we can provide 200,000 children like Charo with daily fruit and enable the 400 schools in Kilifi to generate income for infrastructure upgrades, ultimately reducing the malnutrition rate in the county and saving money spent on combating it.

The previous tree planting at Shomani Girls

We have already created the first fruit orchard at Shomani Girls’ School https://youtube.com/watch?v=yIrl_bU7ZzQ&si=AClsleZ0YAVTBTFf by planting 300 mango trees, 50 passion fruit plants, and 30 pawpaw trees in collaboration with the Open Institute and the school administration. You can be part of this noble journey by sharing this message, connecting us with helpful networks, or donating. Reach us at onemilliontreeskilifi@gmail.com or +254707266031.

Highlights from the Kilifi Pre-LCOY 2024 Conference

In the Coastal town of Kilifi, Kenya, a transformative event is intricated over three dynamic days, bringing together 50 passionate youth from diverse backgrounds, including the dedicated OneMillionTrees4Kilifi group. The Kilifi Pre-LCOY 2024 conference on Adaptation and Climate Finance was a driving force and action, aligning perfectly with this year’s theme: “Building Generations for Climate Resilience.” This blog delves into the conference’s key discussions, groundbreaking insights, and the vibrant energy that characterized this landmark event.


Setting the Stage for Climate Action

Opening Ceremonies and Expectations

The conference commenced with an inspiring welcome from Mr Sam, who set the tone for the upcoming discussions. Mr. Sam, the MC for the day, provided a comprehensive overview of the conference’s goals, emphasizing the importance of truth and inclusivity in discussions. Participants were encouraged to engage actively and share ideas in an environment respectful of diverse perspectives.

The ground rules were clear: maintain confidentiality when discussing private matters, respect all viewpoints, and engage actively in both discussions and social media interactions using the hashtags #LCOYKE2024 and #JustClimateTransition. The conference aimed to foster a collaborative atmosphere where youth could explore and influence climate policies and finance opportunities effectively.

Introduction to LCOY

Japheth from the LCOY secretariat provided a detailed overview of the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), highlighting its role in shaping the youth position paper for the Conference of Parties (COP). This year’s theme, “Building Generations for Climate Resilience,” reflects the urgency of preparing future generations to tackle climate challenges. Japheth also outlined the objectives of the pre-LCOY conference, which included capacity building, understanding climate frameworks, and leveraging climate finance opportunities.

Insights from Keynote Speakers

The first day featured an acoustic address by Mr. James, the ALIN Regional Director, who acknowledged the participants’ dedication to climate action and the significance of their contributions. His words resonated deeply, accentuating the vital role of youth in shaping climate policies and driving local initiatives.

Delving into Climate Policy and Finance

Exploring Climate Policy Frameworks

The second day of the conference was marked by a deep dive into climate policy frameworks, led by Wakili Kelly Banda. The session traced the evolution of climate agreements from the establishment of the UNFCCC in 1992 to the anticipated Dubai Climate Accords in 2023. Key milestones included:

  • Kyoto Protocol (1997 – 2012): Introduced binding emission reduction targets for developed nations.
  • Paris Agreement (2015 – Present): Set ambitious global temperature limits and introduced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • Katowice Climate Package (2018): Finalized the rulebook for the Paris Agreement.
  • Glasgow Climate Pact (2021): Called for accelerated action on coal power and fossil fuel subsidies.

Kenya’s Climate Policy Landscape

Kenya’s proactive role in climate action was highlighted, with emphasis on its National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and Climate Change Act (2016). These frameworks showcase Kenya’s commitment to integrating climate action into national development strategies and enhancing resilience across various sectors.

System Thinking and Environmental Sustainability

The concept of system thinking, presented by Lynn, offered a holistic approach to understanding environmental challenges. This methodology emphasizes interconnectedness, feedback loops, and emergent properties within environmental systems. Key applications include:

  • Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Identifying leverage points for significant impact and developing comprehensive adaptation strategies.
  • Resource Management: Promoting sustainable use of resources and managing ecosystem services.
  • Pollution Control and Waste Management: Implementing comprehensive strategies for pollution control and advancing waste reduction.

The session acuated the importance of a systemic perspective in crafting effective environmental policies and solutions.

Hands-On Learning and Networking

The afternoon was dedicated to interactive sessions, where participants engaged in practical exercises related to creating perfect societies and policy development. Networking opportunities allowed attendees to forge connections and collaborate on climate action initiatives.

Unlocking Climate Finance Opportunities

Understanding Climate Finance

Day three focused on the intricacies of climate finance, with Collins Otieno leading a session on key financial mechanisms. The workshop covered:

  • Global Frameworks: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) play crucial roles in channeling funds for climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
  • Kenya’s Experience: Insights into how Kenya integrates climate finance into its development strategies, supported by international and domestic funding sources.

Funding Opportunities for Youth

Mr. Bob’s session highlighted various funding opportunities for youth-led climate initiatives, including the Next Level Grant Facility and Emergency Grants. These funding mechanisms are designed to support community-based projects and address urgent climate-related challenges.

FLOCA: Financing Locally Led Climate Action

The conference featured a presentation by the Climate Change Director, Kanundu, on the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLOCA) fund. FLOCA aims to empower local communities by providing flexible funding and capacity-building support for climate projects. Key features include:

  • Local Empowerment: Prioritizing projects led by local stakeholders to ensure context-specific solutions.
  • Capacity Building: Enhancing the ability of local organizations to manage and implement climate projects effectively.
  • Rapid Response: Providing quick funding responses to address urgent climate challenges.

Kilifi’s Local Climate Action

The director also shared details about the funding allocated to Kilifi County, including 147 million KSH for local climate projects. Notable initiatives include a community seedbed project at Badabaso Ward, demonstrating the tangible impact of FLOCA funding on local communities.

A Call to Action

The Kilifi Pre-LCOY 2024 conference concluded with a celebration of the most engaged participants, who were recognized for their active contributions and innovative ideas. The event not only equipped youth with valuable knowledge and skills but also ignited a sense of urgency and responsibility to drive climate action.

As the conference drew to a close, the collective energy and commitment of the participants showed the potential for youth-led initiatives to effect meaningful change. With a clear understanding of climate policies, finance mechanisms, and system thinking, the youth of Kilifi are poised to lead the charge in building a resilient and sustainable future.

The Kilifi Pre-LCOY 2024 conference was proof of the power of youth advocacy and the importance of collaborative action in addressing the climate crisis. As we look ahead to the main LCOY conference and beyond, the lessons learned and connections made during these three days will undoubtedly shape the future of climate resilience and action.

Here is the link for some of the work the grass root organisation in Kilifi County do. https://www.linkedin.com/feed https://youtu.be/yIrl_bU7ZzQ?si=7cWD4QpnlB2-aHW5

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