Financial Flows to women at the grassroots through FLLoCA

In a trailblazing initiative to combat climate change and empower vulnerable communities, the County Climate Resilience Investment (CCRI) has been a vital funding stream for Locally-led Climate Action. As part of the FLLoCA funds and grants from the National Government, administered through the National Treasury, the CCRI is devolved to subnational levels, then to the lowest units of governance called Wards, dedicated to supporting communities in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. This programme places special emphasis on women, youth, and people with disabilities (PWDs), recognising their crucial role in driving sustainable development and climate resilience.

The County Government of Homabay has strategically allocated CCRI funds to implement ecosystem restoration projects as outlined in the County Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2024. This initiative aims to produce a substantial number of tree seedlings by establishing community tree nurseries across various wards. This, in turn, will ensure the restoration of degraded ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities. By fostering community involvement, the project seeks to create a robust, self-sustaining model for environmental conservation and economic empowerment.

Women’s Empowerment Link (WEL), under the Voices for Just Climate Action programme, has been instrumental in ensuring that women’s active efforts in environmental restoration are recognised and rewarded. Leveraging the CCRI grant, WEL successfully supported two women’s groups who had been planting and had tree nursery projects in their respective wards to develop bankable proposals for funding for this project. The Kiimba Women Group in Kakimba Village, Mfangano Ward, and the Boundary Women Group in Kaktemo Village, Rusinga Ward, were selected for their outstanding commitment to combating climate action and environmental protection. These groups were recognised due to their dedication to environmental conservation through their ongoing efforts in raising and distributing indigenous tree seedlings and conducting beach clean-ups in their community voluntarily.

The CCRI grant will provide these women groups with the necessary resources to scale up their operations significantly. With financial support, the Kiimba Women Group and the Boundary Women Group will be able to expand their tree nurseries, increase their seedling production, and enhance their environmental outreach activities. This grant will not only support the environmental restoration efforts but also empower the women economically, creating new income opportunities and fostering greater community resilience. 

The impact of the CCRI grant extends beyond environmental restoration. By prioritising women, youth, and PWDs, the programme fosters inclusivity and social equity. It also ensures that environmental protection responsibilities are not burdened on marginalised groups, especially women, as part of their unpaid care work. This grant, however small, is a good example of a financial flow that is responsive to locally shaped solutions, illustrating the power of targeted funding to reach the grassroots.