STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP ON VISIBILIZE4 CLIMATE ACTION PROJECT IN TURKANA COUNTY BY APHRC.
The African Population and Health Research Center, (APHRC) has today launched a three-year research project in Turkana County dubbed Visibilize4Climate Action project.
Dr. John Erus, Deputy governor at the launching ceremony spoke extensively on climate change as a global challenge, said its impact on vulnerable populations often remains unseen. He lauded the effort of organizations driving the climate research agenda, promising support from county government relevant departments.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Kimani Murage, a Senior Research Scientist and Lead Nutrition and Food Systems, Visibilize4Climate Action project seeks to bridge existing gaps and trends that have negative impact on livelihoods. She added that the project aims to make the invisible visible through research, public engagement and involvement of policymakers.
The launch brought together keys stakeholders for a two day workshop held at Cradle Hotel Lodwar.
Mieke Bourne from CIFOR - ICRAF, the lead stakeholder engagement with evidence recognized the importance of community engagement and values the knowledge and experiences of those directly affected by climate change.
Dr. Muruge said, through comprehensive research, APHRC intends to uncover the extent of this challenge and advocate for context-specific policies and practices that address these issues. She added that Climate change has disrupted traditional food systems, leading to increased malnutrition and food insecurity in communities living in the East Africa drylands.
The Visibilize4Climate Action project will shine a light on the mental health impacts of climate change. The harsh realities of extreme weather events, water scarcity, and environmental degradation which can lead to psychological well-being of vulnerable populations.
This project also brings on board institutions of higher learning including University of Nairobi, Makeree University etc., whose role is to read and analyze policies in-regards to climate change.
UON team is led by Dr. Evans Chimoita, from the department of Agric-Economics.
In the next three years, the heart of this project lies in the vibrant community of Kibish in Turkana North where researchers will collect data, analyze findings, and collaborate with policymakers, ensuring that their research translates into tangible action.
Turkana County Government
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8 июл 2024
