across africa, climate change effects are impacting communities already
Acting urgently will help these communities learn to adapt to and build resilience around the climate crisis
It is September!
That means that we are back again. Back with our regional gift of kindness and nature, to share with you all, about the diverse continent that is Africa. As we share these images, we hope that the accompanying stories inspire, motivate and challenge you to continue pushing for positive change on the ground. The truth is, for most of us in the Global South, we feel the drastic effects of the climate and nature crises, and are acting now because we do not have the luxury of time to wait for any other person to do it!
Time is now, and we are doing all we can. Be encouraged to keep doing your part as well. And for now, join our Global Ambassadors in their own words and photos, as they bring us closer to their landscapes this month!
Bulimo Peter - Kenya
For Bulimo, linking education to conservation is his lens for this month. His photo is taken from Makueni County of Eastern Kenya, and the Moringa tree seedlings here are definitely breathing life to this, geographically classified, semi-arid region.
Moringa, commonly referred to as the drumstick tree, is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree of the family Moringaceae. The tree has been described as a wonder plant because of its numerous benefits including economic, environmental, and health. It’s worth noting that the existence of the tree in the region has made the fight against both climate change and aridity attainable. Besides its adaptability to extreme environmental conditions, a Japanese study found that the tree is also able to sequester twenty times more carbon than the normal vegetation. By investing in such a project, one is positioned to address the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. Fascinating, right!?
Zuhura Shaweji - Tanzania
Zuhura takes us closer to the magical Sanje waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in Tanzania! This waterfall is a Tanzania National Park, specifically located at Udzungwa Mountain National Park. The waterfalls flow into different rivers and purify the water. Purification of the water helps to provide oxygen to different aquatic life, as well as to turn waste that runs in the water into nutrients which help plants to grow!
Japheth Orieny - Kenya
In Orieny's photo, we see youth of Silver Oak Mazingira Hub carrying out landscaping activities and watering the seedlings in their tree nursery for indigenous species. This youth-led group aims to change the face of conservation within the region and influence the world through the rehabilitation of nature sustainably. Their programs include conservation-led projects, social inclusion, innovation activities as well as fostering economic development. The Hub is based in Karen-Nairobi off Kerarapon drive.
Aiita Joshua - Uganda
“Photos from my immediate home surrounding - a planted pine forest in Kiryandongo District, Uganda. This mini-forest covers and stretches for approximately 0.7 square kilometers. Planted in an open and relatively undulating landscape, this pine forest helps minimise the serial and frequent occurrence and movement of dust particles, acting additionally as windbreakers, creating a cool and serene environment close to the homestead.” - Joshua
Odhiambo Ronald - Kenya
For many people in Global South countries, the pangs of the climate crisis are biting right here and now - on people’s doorsteps. As world leaders continue to romanticise the climate discourse, communities are living in brutal realities on the ground. Our own Ronald Odhiambo takes us to Lake Nakuru, a rift valley lake in Kenya, that has seen a surge in water levels, leading to property destruction, loss of livelihoods, and displacement of people. If you need evidence that the crisis is hitting communities hard, look no further than this photo!
Ibrahim Inusa - Nigeria
Ibrahim invites us to think with him about the most degraded landscape in Machina ancient city, his local area.
“Located at the porous unproductive desert border between Nigeria and Niger Republic, people are suffering from severe malnutrition, hunger, and poverty, while hundreds of thousands of kilometres of arable land are being lost to desertification. This is the result of desert encroachment coupled with increased deforestation and drought. Located between the North-Eastern part of Nigeria and South-Eastern part of Niger Republic, situated at the North-Western part of Lake Chad Basin (13°08′11″N 10°02′57″E), this is the most vulnerable landscape in Nigeria when it comes to the climate and nature. Destruction, extreme poverty, hunger, severe malnutrition, poor education and over a decade of Boko Haram insurgent has deteriorated the region. About (90%) of people living within the region are farmers and herders depending on this dying land for their daily survival. The only land we call home is disappearing, our farmlands are dying, communities are relocating to find a suitable place they can farm and get food because our soils can now barely produce.
Abigael (Abby) Bosibori - Kenya
For Abby, she reflects on The Big Burn, a moment when she participated in Kenya’s ivory burn. This was aimed at stopping the trade of ivory in 2016, which had previously contributed to a big decline in rhino and elephant populations across the country. To read more about her experience, have a look at her blog here.
Sarah Nnamaka - Nigeria
Sarah shares the warmth and gifts of the outdoor experience around us. Through her lenses, a smile is a window to the harmony that exists in the natural world. If we only dare to explore and listen!
Thanks for joining us this month! Did you miss out on our #PhotoChallenge for August? Not to worry, have a read here.
This blog was made possible through the contribution of our Global Ambassadors:
Peter Bulimo - Kenya; Zuhura Shaweji - Tanzania; Ronald Odhiambo - Kenya; Aiita Joshua - Uganda; Japheth Orieny - Kenya; Ibrahim Inusa - Nigeria; Abby Bosibori - Kenya
Hear from us soon!