Nairobi, 9th August 2018 – In response to the news that Kitui County has enacted a law that sets aside one per cent of its annual budget towards climate change adaptation, Greenpeace Africa’s Food for Life Campaigner Claire Nasike has said:

“Greenpeace Africa commends the move by the Kitui county government to set aside funds to help vulnerable communities adapt to adverse weather patterns caused by climate change. With the county’s budget this financial year standing at Sh11.7 billion, it means the county will spend at least Sh117 million in climate change initiatives. This will ensure that farmers build resilience against future weather shocks.

“The effects of climate change have negatively impacted agricultural productivity in Kitui County. Increasing temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns have significantly reduced crop yields. Such an initiative will lead to increased productivity and reverse the cycle of dependency on food aid.

“The county should ensure that small scale farmers who are affected the most by the impacts of climate change such as drought have access to the funds to help them purchase indigenous drought resistant seeds and other organic farm inputs.”

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