The Undeniable Impact of Climate Change on Africa's Communities

Rachel Lindley, co-CEO Five Talents UK.

Over recent days our TV screens and news feeds have been showing the heart breaking impacts of climate change in eastern Africa, with reports of devastating flooding affecting Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi.

Over the last decade, climate change has never been far from discussion, but the disparity in news coverage of the impacts in different regions across the globe is vast. Until very recently, coverage of rural African communities experiencing extreme drought, flooding and unpredictable rain patterns has been minimal; and this despite Africa being highly vulnerable to climate change. The continent has 25% of the world’s arable land, and yet millions of people are still going hungry because of the impact of climate change on agriculture and farming.??

There can be little doubt that Africa is at the epicentre of climate change impacts.

But beyond the 24 hour news cycle that quickly moves on, what does climate change actually mean to people living there??

Philip Macloud from Team Environment Kenya gave us insight from his own life experience:?

‘At five years old, my family had plenty of food and access to clean water. There were cattle in the fields and less sickness. Right now, aged 30, it is the opposite. Rice fields are arid and brown. Some areas of our country are really suffering, and people are dying. We are living through the clear impact of climate change.’

When I spoke to Claire Nasike, from Greenpeace Africa, she said:

‘Smallholder farmers in eastern Kenya are the most impacted by varying weather patterns. Rainfall seasons have changed affecting how the farmers grow produce, which affects availability as they are only able to produce enough for personal consumption. Prolonged drought affects productivity and this contributes to food insecurity. Extended droughts mean farmers are having to dig up river beds to look for water for livestock and crop irrigation, and walk longer distances for water.’

We are also hearing more frequent reports of climate-related crises in the places where Five Talents’ partners work. Last year, I visited Marsabit in northern Kenya when the region was experiencing a third year of debilitating drought, whilst at the same time partners in South Sudan, Rwanda and DR Congo were sharing news of devastating floods.?

Knowing there is a problem is important, but it is just a first step. Action now is vital.

COP28 in 2023 highlighted the challenges for African communities and the financial support needed from the West - it runs into hundreds of millions of dollars by 2030. Food security was also highlighted on the agenda, and 134 countries signed a declaration to help strengthen water management and protect ecosystems.?

However, there is a question in my mind whether local community voices in eastern Africa are being drowned out by the ‘high level’ noise? I wonder to what extent they are genuinely seen as?having agency; as being people who, with some initial support and enabling, can themselves bring about sustainable change within their communities?

Of course, more should be done by countries outside Africa whose actions have caused the worst of climate change,? but let’s not lose sight of the thousands of communities which are taking the crisis into their own hands. They are? harnessing the power of what they have to build sustainable and resilient futures.??

Our partners work with people like Editha in Tanzania. Following business skills training, she was inspired to start a business supplying clean water to? her community. She took a loan of TZS 600,000 (￡180) to install a water point at her house; one of the only taps in the village. She sells water for TZS 100 (3p) per bucket.?

Before Editha started her business, villagers walked long distances to fetch water. Her business has changed her life and that of many in the village, who now have access to safe clean water.??

Having a regular income allows participants to invest in their children's education and they are more able to meet their families’ housing and healthcare needs. Yes, it is a partnership, but it is a partnership led by the effort and endeavours of women like Editha. Communities facing the season-to-season impacts of climate change are finding ways to adapt and build resilience, and they are building stronger economic futures for themselves and their children.? Even in the midst of the seemingly overwhelming challenges the region is facing, this is a story of resilience and adaptation from central and eastern Africa that we should be hearing more about, and telling time and again. Five Talents has always found that solutions developed in partnership with communities, who are the experts in their own contexts, are always the most effective - and responding to climate change is no exception.?

Our partners in Tanzania sum it up best when reflecting on the difference Savings Group programmes can make:?

“This [Savings Group programme] will have far reaching effects in changing the fortunes of the community for the better. For many communities education is the deciding factor in breaking the cycle of poverty, ignorance and disease. The children after going through school are able to secure good jobs and support their extended families.”

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