ACCESS4ALL Group

In Makueni County, the most common climate-related hazard is drought. Traditionally, the region expects long rains to sustain agriculture, but climate change has made rainfall increasingly erratic and unreliable. Farmers often plant in anticipation of rains that fail to arrive, leading to widespread crop losses. Unlike the Philippines, where storm surges and typhoons are the main threats, Makueni’s challenge is water scarcity and prolonged dry spells. The greatest impacts are felt in rural farming communities, where livelihoods depend almost entirely on rain-fed agriculture. Families face food insecurity, reduced income, and pressure on water resources. Women and children are particularly affected, as they often bear the responsibility of fetching water over long distances when local sources dry up. To adapt, farmers have begun planting drought-resistant crops such as sorghum, millet, and green grams. Communities also practice water harvesting techniques like building sand dams and small reservoirs to store rainwater when it does fall. These local innovations mirror the Philippines’ mangrove restoration in that both are community-driven, nature-based solutions to climate vulnerability.

The county government of Makueni plays a key role by creating awareness, training farmers, and sometimes providing seeds for drought-resistant crops. NGOs and faith-based organizations also support communities through capacity-building, water projects, and small-scale irrigation schemes. External stakeholders, including international development partners, have funded climate-smart agriculture programs and resilience-building initiatives.