Rising waters of Lake Turkana and prolonged droughts have been blamed for displacing communities and continually threatening livelihoods in Northern Kenya.

A United Nations delegation led by Ms Reena Ghelani, UN Assistant Secretary-General noted that as the lake’s water levels continue to rise, pushing people from their homes, and as persistent droughts limit water access and reduce agricultural productivity, communities continue to face increasing pressure to survive.

Speaking during their visit at Long’olemwar village to assess the impact of climate-related challenges and explore interventions made, Ghelani who was accompanied by Mercy Corps Regional Director Melaku Yirga regretted how climate change is reshaping lives in the region.

“Droughts have come, and they are not going away,” Ms. Ghelani said, emphasizing the growing frequency and duration of dry periods. “For instance, here in Long’olemwar, there is limited water and opportunities for even the traditional livelihoods.”

USAID Nawiri, led by Mercy Corps, has been at the forefront of implementing climate-smart solutions to help communities mitigate the effects of climate crises.

The efforts include solar-powered water systems, sustainable agricultural practices, and integrated community education programs addressing water, nutrition, and agriculture.

“The agricultural techniques are working,” Ms. Ghelani added, commending the program’s progress.

“The communities grow crops they can consume and sell. The solar-powered water system and how all interventions are linked to an integrated package of information on sectors such as water, nutrition, agriculture, and education are vital to beating the crisis we are facing,” noted Ghelani.

As climate change continues to impact Turkana, Ghelani stressed the need for increased international commitments and expanded interventions to support local efforts that are not only saving lives but helping communities thrive.