Mwaura Joseph Mbogo

 

 TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT OF CARBON ASSETS

Mwaura J., et al (2009)www.erails.net/images/kenya/mwaura-joseph-mbogo//file/iii%20Feedback%20Back%20to%20Office.doc

 ABSTRACT

 

As a global objective KARI-WKIEMP aimed to facilitate the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) accumulation in the atmosphere, improve on-and off-farm biodiversity and decrease erosion in watersheds that feed into the Nyando, Yala and Nzoia river basins and subsequently Lake Victoria: international waters.

For the reduction of GHGs in the atmosphere and as an expected output, KARI-WKIEMP  established mechanisms towards attainment of carbon ideas that in turn would translate into carbon projects in Western Kenya. In line with this, a concurrence was endorsed between the project and SCCVi Agro forestry to steer the efforts to include establishing a steering committee. The object of the study was to assess capacities of institutions in western Kenya to undertake carbon projects for adaptation and mitigation to climate change. Given that the region’s 58% of all households live below poverty line, the efforts towards sustainable agricultural practices and the link to carbon market would improve livelihoods, conserve on/off farm biodiversity, rehabilitate degraded sites as well as garner carbon credits.   Carbon dioxide (77%), nitrous oxide (8%), and methane (14%) are the main GHGs that trap infrared radiation and contribute to climate change.

Western Kenya landscapes are diverse: the rolling hills divided between old-growth forests, subsistence farms, tea fields and human settlements with each land use sequestering different amount of carbon. The area, also forming the Lake Victoria basin, comprises the whole landscape west of the Rift Valley and is the only area in Kenya where rainfall is consistent from the watershed of the catchment to the outfall of the river system.The lake receives 85% of its water from rainfall with the balance emanating from rivers draining from the surrounding catchment

To arrive at sustainable emission reduction of GHGs in the region, acquisition of pertinent capacities is imperative to include skills in: GIS-ICT Skills, biomass estimation skills (trees, crops, shrubs, and grass), soil science (soil carbon estimation) and statistical analysis capacity. The skills assessment was core in the survey. Stakeholders interviewed by questionnaire administration were 16 comprising universities, research institutions, line ministries, NGO’s and local authorities. Results from institutions assessed indicate need for capacity building on Climate Change given 69% showed low to average abilities

Although all stakeholders interviewed indicated that their organizations were implementing one form or the other of mitigation and or adaptation to climate change, understanding of Adaptation and Mitigation was rated low. This implies that there is great need to capacity build in these vital skill areas. 88% have significant knowledge on carbon financing but dismally low on capacity on Project Design Documents, Carbon Finance Document and Project Idea Notes. 69% have average monitoring and evaluation capacity while 63% have average capacity to develop, implement and monitor community Land Use project activities. It is noteworthy that 81% of stakeholders are committed to undertake carbon sequestration projects in western Kenya. This significantly large number portends good hope for development of carbon project and potential for improved lives and livelihoods in the region.

Given the high interest to undertake carbon project in the region and the low grasp on key carbon market concepts and applications, the study founds ample room for further studies and for capacity building.