Signs of hope: A community managed climate adaptation initiative.
Apart from causing frequent droughts, global warming has resulted in unpredictable rainfall patterns, seasonal floods, food insecurity, diseases and conflicts around scarce resources.
Recurring droughts in arid and semi arid areas in the Horn of Africa have led to loss of livelihoods, lives and ets. Historically, relief food has been given as an emergency measure to keep people alive during drought. This is not sustainable; therefore Cordaid has developed the Drought Cycle Management (DCM) approach so as to enhance local people’s coping mechanisms and capacities.
Drought Cycle Management provides direction on how communities can adapt to their circumstances in the mitigation, preparedness, emergency aid and rehabilitation phase. It encourages the provision of water resources through innovative rainwater harvesting technologies, introduction of drought resistant animals, income and livelihood diversification, introducing new foods and cereal banks, amongst other options. Extensive capacity building in disaster risk reduction enables the communities to deal with the hazards, thus reducing their vulnerabilities. Undoubtedly, early preparation reduces vulnerability and loss of livelihoods. For more information about Cordaid and adaptation to climate change, visit the website: http://www.cordaidpartners.com/English/All/Research___Evaluations/index.aspx?mId=10553#downloads
In Kenya, these innovative programs have been piloted by ten organizations, in the last three years.
In these video’s, organizations tell the stories of the communities they serve and factors that have helped them cope. They want to share their experiences with others. These examples are not the only solutions, but can be an inspiration in the pursuit of better solutions to adapt to climate change and its effects.
Duration : 0:7:54
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