Youth in Kajiado County have been challenged to embrace alternative sources of livelihoods so as to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
Amref Health Africa through the Power to Youth programme in collaboration with Naret Intoiye CBO and Maasai Transformation Organisation (MATRO), has embarked on equipping the youth with knowledge and resources to combat climate change effects and promote gender equality.
Speaking at Matepes village, Rombo ward in Kajiado South during celebrations to mark the International Youth Day, Ms Alice Masinte Founder of Naret Intoiye, a Community Based Organisation, noted that equipping youth with green skills will help combat climate change effects such as drought which has resulted in loss of livelihoods.
Masinte noted that apart from loss of livelihoods, women and girls continue to experience the greatest impact of climate change effects with cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) on the rise.
“We have noted an increase in SGBV cases during periods of drought. Many girls are undergoing Female Genital mutilation and married off so as to get dowry,” said Masinte.
She said pastoralism, which is the main economic activity among the Maasai community, was no longer viable due to erratic weather patterns and there was a need to embrace alternative sources of livelihoods such as smart agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Antony Sankaine, Director, Maasai Transformation Organisation (MATRO), reiterated Masinte’s sentiments on the negative effects women and girls experience as a result of climate change.
He said that the youth are the advocates of change in the society and equipping them with knowledge on how to combat climate change will bring positive change in the society.
“Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety,” said Sankaine.
Sankine further called on the youth to embrace tree planting in their homes and along river banks so as to restore forests and water catchment areas.
During the event, Maasai morans held a dialogue on issues affecting them and how to combat them before planting trees to mark this year’s International Youth Day.
The International Youth Day is commemorated annually on August 12 to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community, and to highlight the crucial role that young women and men play as partners of change.
By Rop Janet
