Lodwar, April 5, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Researchers from the United Kingdom’s University of Exeter met officials from the County Directorate of Climate Change over intentions to roll out a research study aimed at assisting households to utilize climate change information for better adaptation and resilience building.
The meeting, attended by county departments whose work contributes to resilience building against adverse effects of climate change, brought together the directorates of climate change, environment, water, public health, finance, Economic planning, public service, administration, agriculture, blue economy, and livestock development.
In his remarks at the meeting, Director for Climate Change, George Emase, described the intended study as an opportunity for sector players to appreciate the impact of climate change forecasting information at the household level.
Director Emase expressed satisfaction at the invitation of state and non-state agencies in the climate change sector to the meeting, emphasizing their invaluable contribution in terms of experience and linkages.
Turkana University College (TUK), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Meteorological Services (KMS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), and Lodwar Caritas attended.
Dr. Julian Dyer of the University of Exeter explained that the meeting was meant to share the details of the methodological approach to be employed during the study period and solicit feedback from sector players.
“We intend to ensure that our study findings are as useful as possible to policymakers, development practitioners, and the household as the end users of the forecasting information,” Dr. Julian Dyer said.
The study comes at a time when the Directorate of Climate Change is set to lead a public campaign to sensitize the public on their obligations in the face of imminent floods potentially arising from the forecasted heavy rains in the current month of April by the Meteorological Service.
Present during the meeting were; Dr Peter Edome (Dean School of Sciences TUK) County Directors, Isaac Eregae, Benedict Mukoo, Mike Erupe, Aaron Nanok, and Thomas Kiyong’a (Deputy Director, Climate Change).