The rolling hills of Meru County in late 2024, played host to a pivotal three-day Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Investment Planning Workshop, an initiative designed to equip county stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to secure climate finance and drive agricultural resilience.

Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MOALD) through its Climate Change Unit (CCU), SNV CRAFT, and the Climate Smart Agriculture Multi-Stakeholder Platform (CSA-MSP), the workshop ran from December 16th to 18th, 2024. It brought together county technical staff, policymakers, and key stakeholders committed to strengthening Kenya's agricultural sector in the face of climate change. 

Addressing Kenya's Climate Vulnerability 

Kenya's heavy reliance on rainfed agriculture leaves it vulnerable to climate shocks. With a significant portion of the population dependent on climate-sensitive resources, building resilience through adaptation and mitigation interventions is crucial. As outlined in Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), mainstreaming climate change into national and county-level planning is a priority. 

In recent years, initiatives such as County Climate Change Funds (CCCF) and the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program have provided avenues for counties to access climate finance. The Meru workshop aimed to build on these successes by ensuring stakeholders are equipped to develop bankable investment proposals that align with both local needs and national policies. 

Eric Muthomi the county government representative "This workshop has been an eye-opener, providing us with the tools and knowledge to integrate climate-smart agriculture into our county's development plans. The insights gained here will help us build more resilient agricultural systems, enabling us to better withstand climate shocks and ensure a sustainable future for our farmers. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to secure the necessary climate finance and implement effective strategies that will benefit both our local communities and the nation at large." 

Key Highlights of the Workshop 

Over the three days, participants engaged in insightful discussions, practical sessions, and group activities. The workshop's objectives focused on identifying climate risks, planning inclusive investments, and creating alignment with national and global climate frameworks. Key sessions included: 

  • Understanding Climate Change and Response Measures: A deep dive into the science of climate change and potential mitigation strategies. 
  • Policy Alignment: Ensuring county strategies align with national legal and policy frameworks. 
  • Investment Planning for CSA: Techniques for prioritizing climate-smart investments and developing proposals for climate finance. 
  • Developing Bankable Proposals: Practical group work on drafting proposals to attract funding from blended sources, including public, private, and international funds. 

Stakeholders also shared experiences and challenges in accessing climate finance, with interactive sessions facilitating peer learning and collaboration. 

Harold Mate, the Craft Country Lead… "This workshop marks a significant step forward in empowering county governments to not only understand the challenges posed by climate change but also take concrete actions to address them. Through our partnership with SNV and the Climate Smart Agriculture Multi-Stakeholder Platform, we are equipping local stakeholders with the tools to develop bankable climate-smart agriculture proposals. This collaborative effort is fostering a culture of resilience that will transform Kenya’s agricultural landscape. With continued support and capacity-building, we can ensure that our farming communities are better prepared for the future, with access to the finance and resources needed to thrive." 

Building Momentum: Plans for Expansion 

The success of the Meru workshop highlighted a growing demand for capacity-building across other counties. To ensure that no county is left behind, MOALD-CCU, SNV CRAFT, and CSA-MSP have announced plans to replicate this training in additional counties, including: Makueni, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Narok, Kisumu and Kajiado 

These workshops will continue to empower county governments to mainstream climate-smart agriculture practices, prioritize investments, and access critical climate finance through programs like FLLoCA and CCCF. The goal is to foster sustainable agricultural practices and build climate resilience for Kenya’s farming communities. 

A Path Forward for Climate Resilience 

As the workshop concluded, participants left with actionable plans and a renewed commitment to climate-smart agriculture.  The journey toward a climate-resilient agricultural sector is ongoing. Still, with the right investments, collaboration, and capacity-building, Kenya is on a path to securing a sustainable future for its farmers and communities.

Read the workshop report here:  https://www.crafteastafrica.org/resources/publications/articles/110-kenya-climate-smart-agriculture-implementation-plan-sensitization-and-capacity-building-workshop-report/file

By Edith Mutui