Poverty and Climate Action: Some Evidence from Current Projects at Maseno University, Kenya

Abstract

SDG#1 and #13 No poverty and Climate Action by the year 2030 are interconnected and a good discussion point at this conference. One priority action on poverty eradication is improving access to sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurial opportunities and productive resources. Target 1.5 states that: “By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters. Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate related disasters: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries” and Target 13.3: “Build knowledge and capacity to meet climate change: improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.” Agribusiness remains central to food security, job creation, and inclusive growth in many low-income countries. Targeting women and youth (the buttress of African population) for climate-smart agribusiness can help eradicate poverty and mitigate the climate challenge. We reflect on six ongoing projects at Maseno University that engage women and youth in agribusinesses by mitigating both poverty and climate challenge. The key lessons learnt can be replicated in other regions.