Agriculture remains a cornerstone of livelihoods in Kenya’s Lake Region and Sugar Belt areas, especially for smallholder farmers who rely on it for food and income. However, these regions face escalating challenges from climate change, such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures, which have reduced agricultural productivity and exacerbated poverty.
According to the Kenya Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy (KCSAS) 2017–2026, unsustainable farming practices, including monocropping and overuse of chemical inputs, have further degraded soils, water bodies, and ecosystems.
In addition to environmental degradation, marginalized groups, including adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), face pervasive social injustices that compound their vulnerability. These injustices include:
HEDSO’s climate-smart agriculture initiatives extend beyond environmental sustainability to address the systemic social injustices faced by AGYW, youth, and PWDs. By promoting economic empowerment through inclusive and sustainable farming practices, the organization reduces vulnerabilities and creates pathways for dignity, equality, and resilience. This dual approach ensures that communities are not only better prepared for climate challenges but also free from the cycles of exploitation and marginalization that hinder progress.
Goal: Promote sustainable agricultural practices that conserve natural resources, enhance soil fertility, and reduce environmental degradation. | |
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OBJECTIVES | EXPECTED OUTCOMES |
Enhance the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices to improve productivity and strengthen resilience. |
✅ Increased adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
✅ Financial independence and increased income from CSA practices reduce vulnerability to GBV.
✅ AGYW no longer relies on sex for fish or pads due to economic empowerment through CSA initiatives.
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Increase engagement of AGYW, Youth, and PWDs in climate-smart agricultural practices. |
✅ Improved livelihoods of AGYW, Youth, and PWDs through climate-smart farming.
✅ Profits from CSA allow AGYW to afford menstrual hygiene products, reducing dependency on exploitative practices like sex for pads.
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