Restoring Dignity and Livelihoods in Makueni County: The Flloca-Funded Sand Dam Project

In Makueni county, a Sh16 million project funded by Financing Locally Led Climate Action (Flloca) has brought hope to over 300 farmers through the construction of a sand dam and other water harvesting infrastructure. The project, which has benefited 8,773 people, aims to strengthen local resilience to climate change impacts by building capacity for planning, budgeting, and implementing local climate actions. Richard Kimeu, a beneficiary farmer, credits the project with restoring his dignity and livelihood, enabling him to grow vegetables throughout the year and sell surplus to the local market.

Key Takeaways:

• The Flloca-funded sand dam project in Makueni county has benefited 8,773 people and empowered over 300 farmers to grow crops and sell surplus to the local market.
• The project, which costs Sh16 million, has improved food security, restored dignity, and livelihoods of farmers who had lost hope due to chronic water shortages.
• The sand dam, which is part of a larger infrastructure that includes a 100 cubic meter intake sump tank, solar system for pumping water, and a 100 cubic meter masonry reservoir tank, provides consistent access to water for farming.
• The project has also introduced agroforestry and distributed 5,000 high-value tree seedlings (avocado and citrus) and 400 riparian tree species.
• The project has been instrumental in making the community self-sufficient in water, allowing farmers to return to their farms with renewed determination.
• The project has also helped women become independent by providing an alternative revenue stream.
• The county has allocated two percent of its budget towards climate change funds and has put in place regulations to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• Sustainability committees have been formed to ensure the project's long-term success, including training for the project's sustainability committee.

Statistics:

• Over 300 farmers have benefited from the project.
• 8,773 people have been impacted by the project.
• The project has cost Sh16 million.
• 5,000 assorted high-value tree seedlings (avocado and citrus) have been distributed.
• 400 assorted riparian tree species have been planted.
• The project has been implemented in partnership with the national government and county governments.

Sources:

• "Makueni farmers reap big from Flloca-Funded sand dam project" (exact headline as in the original text)
• Financing Locally Led Climate Action (Flloca)
• "Kenya's Climate Policy for County Government"