Agriculture in south-western Kenya dominates economic and social development. For Kenyans, agriculture is the largest source of income. South-western region consists of dry and rainy seasons, both climate variability and weather changes can have negative effects on the agricultural sector. Rainwater is used by farmers. Between 70-80 percent of water supplies are lost due to challenges and difficulties of creating an effective irrigation system, that collects and stores run-off rainwater.

These are the factors that contribute to the dynamics of poverty, lack of access to clean water and food safety problems.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF POLISH HUMANITARIAN ACTION?

Our experience in humanitarian support in Somalia and South Sudan, allows us to expand our help and assist Kenya’s growth. In April 2018 we started our work in south-western Kenya in Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties. To ensure complexity of work, our project corresponds to water accessibility, hygiene promotion, countering the negative climate changes, agriculture entrepreneurship, and production growth.

In collaboration with local specialists, we implement new methods of collecting and treating water, though building sand barriers, shallow water wells and water tanks in schools. These solutions allow for better utilization and storage of water supplies.
We organize various trainings in project management, leadership, administration, and farming for local agricultural cooperatives. They bring together the most entrepreneurial farmers. Cooperatives are responsible i.a. for managing local water and agricultural production investments. Their members are role models to others living in the village, which contributes to improving livelihood quality of all the people.

We organize training courses in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for local administrators. The knowledge this course entails can help them to react faster, create action plans and implement solutions to protect environment and prepare local communities for future crises.