Drought Resilience
The Government recognises that reducing risk and building resilience through sustainable development investments in drought-prone areas are key to effective drought management.
The National Drought Management Authority Act (2016) mandates the Authority to exercise overall coordination over all matters relating to drought risk management and to establish mechanisms, either on its own or with stakeholders, that will end drought emergencies in Kenya.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Kenya recognizes that social protection is a critical component of addressing food insecurity and vulnerability among chronically food insecure populations.
NDMA is mandated with ;
The agency’s mandate is to coordinate and implement policies, strategies and programmes aimed at reducing the impact of drought and promoting sustainable natural resource management. Through partnerships with other stakeholders, the NDMA seeks to build resilience and enhance adaptive capacity to drought and other climate-related risks. The agency’s work is critical in addressing food insecurity, reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in Kenya.
Mainstreams drought risk reduction and climate adaptation into planning
This involves working with stakeholders at all levels to identify priority areas, set targets, and develop action plans for implementing drought risk reduction and climate adaptation measures. In addition, the NDMA has also invested in capacity building for government officials, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to enhance their understanding of drought risk and climate change, and to develop the necessary skills to implement effective adaptation and risk reduction measures.
These efforts have helped to build resilience in communities and reduce the impacts of drought and climate change on vulnerable populations.
Implements social protection programmes with chronically food insecure populations
These programmes include the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), which provides cash transfers to poor households in arid and semi-arid lands, and the National Safety Net Programme (NSNP), which targets vulnerable groups such as orphans, vulnerable children, and the elderly. Additionally, the NDMA provides technical support to county governments to enhance the effectiveness of their social protection programmes.
By implementing social protection programmes with chronically food insecure populations, the NDMA aims to improve the livelihoods and resilience of vulnerable households and reduce the impact of drought and other shocks.
Implements strategic projects that reduce risk or strengthen preparedness for drought.
The NDMA implements a range of projects aimed at enhancing drought resilience, including the construction and rehabilitation of water pans, boreholes, and dams, as well as the development of early warning systems and drought contingency plans. The NDMA also supports the adoption of drought-tolerant crops and livestock breeds and the establishment of community-managed water points. Additionally, the NDMA works with county governments and other stakeholders to develop and implement land-use plans that promote sustainable natural resource management and reduce the risk of land degradation.
By implementing strategic projects, the NDMA aims to reduce the impact of drought on vulnerable populations and build resilience at the community level. These projects are critical in helping communities cope with drought and other climate-related risks, enabling them to sustain their livelihoods and improve their overall well-being.