1. THE CAUX DIALOGUE ON LAND AND SECURITY
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH LAND RESTORATION A CASE FOR BARINGO COUNTY- KENYA
By H.E. Eng , Mathew Tuitoek
Deputy Governor Baringo County

2. County Background
Baringo County covers an area of 11,015.3 km2 of which 165km2 is surface water comprising of 4 Lakes, Baringo, Bogoria, Kamnarok and lake 94.
The County has a population of 555,562 with a high annual growth rate of 2.9% p.a (KPC, 2009).
Over 80% of the population dwell in rural areas and has high poverty levels estimated at 58.7%.

3. Background cont’
Baringo County is a unique with regard to climate. It has huge variation in altitude. 45% of the county is too steep! Due to their varied altitudes, the sub-counties receive different levels of rainfall (500 to 1500mm).
The fragile natural and agro-ecosystems are severely exposed to harsh climatic conditions. This threaten food and livelihood security and sustainability of natural resource use.
The situation is aggravated by effects of climate change , population explotion including erratic weather patterns and occupation of fragile ecosystems

4. Context
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides for a two tier governance system
The National government and 47 County governments are distinct in functions but interdependent in execution of its mandates.
Executive plays administrative roles and delivery of service to citizens while the County Assembly offers legislative and oversight of all county public institutions.
The executive is working harmoniously with both arms of government and National Government and the County Assembly in delivery of its mandate
There has been Increased human conflicts arsing from natural resources scarcity, i.e. water, pasture and boundary disputes
Population increase has led to cultivation of fragile ecological zones and steep slopes

5. Map of Baringo County

6. Baringo County Government Achievements
Great progress in delivery of services to the citizenry,
Instant implementations of projects,
Responding to needs and challenge of the public
Increased allocation public and social services
Protection and Management of environment

7. Challenges facing the new county government
A lot of expectation from the public
Transition to county government challenges
Limited resources both financial and not financial
High poverty levels
Land and environmental degradation
Conflict and Insecurity

8. Climate change related challenges
Prolonged dry spells/ drought in East Pokot Baringo south and Baringo North sub counties
Extreme floods in the lowlands around Lakes Baringo and Bogoria
Landslides in the highlands during the rainy season especially the long rains season.
destructive winds

9. SOIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED CHALLENGES
Erosion by water
 Erosion by wind
Hydrological effects of Land
Poor Infrastructure
Limited water resources
Flooding and drought
Environmental degradation
Poor marketing system and limited access to financial credit services
Information and communication technology
Unemployment
Insecurity
Land tenure system

10. Mitigation measures
Investment in alternative energy sources - improved cook stoves and biogas units
Training of stakeholders; youth, women and charcoal Producers associations
Promotion and utilization of Early Warning Systems
Development of the County contingency plan
Formation of County climate change advisory committee comprising of key departments and community forecasters. Promote education and awareness on climate change issues in the county
Encourage integrated approach on Climate Change among the sectors
Participate in resource mobilization for CC issues
Create platform of sharing knowledge and packaging of information on CC for dissemination to other stakeholders and public
Identify the Climate Chane challenges, interventions, adaptation process and mitigation measures
Promote collaboration/networking with institutions on CC
Integration of the use of Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge in climate change issues. The KMS team works hand in hand with other technical staff and community forecasters to disseminate information on weather and climate change.
The indigenous knowledge and meteorological forecasts are integrated into a unified message

11. Impact These disasters have occurred causing;
loss of lives (drowning, landslides, human wildlife conflict, cattle rustling )
Loss of livelihoods ( destroying crops and damaging property).

12. Agriculture related Developing County policies and legislations
Increasing Agricultural Growth
Reducing Food Insecurity and Poverty Building of dams and water pans and de- silting of old ones
Support in the provision of seeds and fertilizer for planting
Support in food relief, water and livestock feeds
Livestock off-take during severe drought
Provision of medicine and vaccination to prevent disease outbreaks and
Evacuation to safer grounds in case of floods
Tree planting campaigns (3 million seedlings earmarked for planting this season)
Promotion of soil conservation measures in the farms
Reseeding of denuded lands
Promotion of water harvesting techniques
Promotion of early land preparation and timely planting of crops
Exploration of geothermal energy

13. Photos: Rivers Molo and Perkerra

14. Impact

16. Photos: Flooded road to Lake Bogoria geysers, loss of biodiversity; Acacia trees, Flamingoes reduced populations

17. Photos: Soi Lodge and Roberts Camp flooded

18. Gullies at Kerio Valley Kui Kui Village

19. Plans for Action
Baringo County has planned to increase its forest cover of 29.9% through;
Planting 2.9 million tree seedlings in 2014 through green schools program where 135 schools will be supported.
Promotion of farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR)
Undertaking Aggressive Agroforestry
Protection of forest blocks through community scouts
Fire tower
Investment in alternative energy sources - improved cook stoves and biogas units
Training of stakeholders; youth, women and charcoal Producers associations

20. Plans for Action
Soil erosion control through check dams, terracing and gabions construction
Building of dams and water pans and de-silting of old ones
Support in the provision of fertilizer for planting to increase food security
Support in relief food and water tankering
Promotion of water harvesting techniques
Promotion of early land preparation and timely planting of crops

21. Plans for Action Re-introduction of traditional high value crops
Promotion and utilization of Early Warning Systems
Development of the County contingency plan
Formation of County climate change advisory committee comprising of key departments and community forecasters.

22. Plans for Action
Promotion of Education and awareness on climate change issues in the county
Integrated approach on CC among the sectors
Participate in resource mobilization for CC issues
Create platform of sharing knowledge and packaging of information on CC for dissemination to other stakeholders and public
Identify the CC challenges, interventions, adaptation process and mitigation measures
Promote Collaboration/Networking with institutions on Climate Change

23. Plans for Action Integration of the use;
Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge in climate change issues.
The KMS team to work hand in hand with other technical staff and community
Disseminate information on weather and climate change.

24. Thank you!