Resilience in climate change in Africa: Kenya and Zimbabwe

Abstract

<p>This paper looks at the current issues related to climate change in Africa, specifically in Kenya and Zimbabwe and shows how industry has worked with the Indigenous population in the two countries to mitigate the effects of climate change. Climate change has led to reduced water resources, reduced food production, human health particularly the health of women and children who have suffered respiratory problems because of excessive smoke coming from open wood fires and instances of desertification. Deforestation has led to rivers getting less water and these countries having difficulties in the generation hydro-electric power. This has led to increased levels of poverty and poor health outcomes for locals.</p> <p>To mitigate the effects of climate change, communities have shared Indigenous knowledge with industry resulting in improved outcomes such as food production. The following strategies have been put in place. These include the introduction of energy-saving stoves, increase in the planting of Indigenous trees that are usually drought resistant and the planting drought-resistant crops such as sorghum and millet as well as tubers such as cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes. There are several success stories that show increased food production and the sale of surplus food to feed other populations. Indigenous people have partnered with agricultural extension officers, industry and Non-Governmental Organisations to keep rural communities informed about climate change resulting in improved educational outcomes particularly in literacy and numeracy related to climate change. Industry has also helped with the construction of boreholes. This has led to increased production of healthy Indigenous foods that are drought resistant and easy to produce. Families have turned to Indigenous foods shunning expensive processed foods. In addition, farmers are involved in organic soil management by using manure generated from the livestock (pigs, goats, cattle and chicken) to improve the soil quality. Fish farming has also led to an interesting agroecology where fish are fed with chicken droppings and worms from the poultry compost manure. Highly nutritious water from the fishponds is used in the gardens. These activities positively mitigate the effects of climate change.</p>