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WATER, ENVIRONMENT, AND CLIMATE CHANGE (WECC)

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WATER, ENVIRONMENT, AND CLIMATE CHANGE (WECC)

Building Climate-Resilient Communities
Through the Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP), KDC has empowered over 650 farmers and 30 institutions in Kitui Central to combat deforestation, embrace agroforestry, and adopt climate-smart farming. With 157,000+ trees planted, four vibrant community nurseries, and the launch of the Schools Greening Initiative that has already reached 32 schools with 20,000+ trees, the project is a model for grassroots climate action.

Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP) – Phase Two

Overview

The Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP) was implemented from Feb 2023 – Feb 2025 in Kitui Central through a partnership between the International Tree Foundation (ITF) and KDC. Falling under our Water, Environment and Climate Change (WECC) thematic area, the project strengthened community resilience to climate change through environmental conservation, agroforestry, and integrated farming.

Key Achievements

  • Trees planted: 157,117 (target 100,000) in Wikililye & Kilingile.
  • Beneficiaries: 657 farmers & 32 public institutions reached.
  • Community nurseries: 4 supported (Kithambangii, Mbathani, Kilingile, Itulu) with 150,000 annual seedling capacity.
  • Training: 97 farmers on gender integration, 221 students through school environmental clubs.
  • Livelihoods: Kitchen gardens established in all nurseries, producing African leafy vegetables for nutrition & income.
  • Youth engagement: Schools Greening Initiative launched, greening 32 schools with 20,000+ trees.

Impact

  • Environmental: Increased forest cover, reduced charcoal burning, improved soil fertility, and strengthened biodiversity.
  • Livelihoods: Better household nutrition, diversified incomes, and reduced reliance on unsustainable practices.
  • Knowledge & Advocacy: Enhanced skills in agroforestry, nursery management, organic farming, and climate change awareness.

Lessons & Next Steps

  • Communities and schools are strong drivers of sustainable climate action.
  • Fruit and exotic trees enjoy higher adoption.
  • Expansion to degraded ecosystems like Mutito Hills recommended.
  • Stronger partnerships needed for scale-up and sustainability.

Conclusion

CCAP demonstrated how community-led agroforestry, re-afforestation, climate change advocacy, and integrated farming can directly advance KDC’s WECC objective of building resilient, food-secure, and climate-conscious communities.