Environment

As the environment and climate change continue to affect the communities we serve, SHOFCO recognizes that building climate resilience must be part of how we define and measure impact. Many of the people we work with are among the most vulnerable to climate change, facing challenges like water scarcity, food insecurity, and increased health risks.

In response, we are embedding climate resilience practices into our programs, upskilling our teams and ensuring that the communities we support are better equipped to adapt to and withstand environmental shocks. This includes integrating climate education into our schools, developing sustainable water and sanitation solutions, and creating programs that focus on environmental sustainability at the community level.

Climate resilience isn’t just an add-on to our work—it’s a critical part of how we build stronger, more resilient communities.

Situation

Vulnerable populations in Kenya are facing severe challenges from climate change and even though they had little to do with causing the crisis, they have become some of the most adversely affected. Adaptation has become crucial. Extreme weather events, like floods and droughts, threaten livelihoods and make it difficult to access food and water. In 2024, urban floods displaced over 278,000 people, while a devastating drought in 2023 left 5.4 million individuals without sufficient food and water. Additionally, deforestation has led to the loss of 10 million hectares of forest, increasing soil erosion and flood vulnerability. Rapid urbanization in Nairobi has also created significant waste management issues, posing serious environmental and health risks.

Strategies

SHOFCO’s journey into climate action began with a powerful community-driven response to devastating floods in Kenya’s urban informal settlements. In partnership with 40 CBOs, SHOFCO Urban Network (SUN) distributed emergency food packages to over 2,000 families, deployed 100 Community Health Promoters to provide clean water solutions, and collaborated with the Kenya Red Cross to offer psychosocial support to flood survivors. Youth-led needs-mapping ensured that the right resources reached the most affected, while community members donated food, bedding, and clothes. This initiative marked a turning point for SHOFCO, inspiring deeper involvement in climate adaptation.

1. We mobilize community networks and local partners during flooding events to facilitate rescue efforts and distribute essential aid.
2. We enhance flood resilience by planting trees to improve soil stability and by supporting communities in installing water pans to capture rainwater for agriculture and water supply.
3. Through our environmental clubs, students learn about climate change, sustainable practices, and urban farming. These clubs also run multimedia campaigns, host community events, and maintain rooftop gardens to supply the school feeding program.
4. We implement sustainable energy solutions such as biogas facilities for renewable energy and solar power installations across key SHOFCO facilities, promoting environmental sustainability and energy independence.
5. By partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs), we provide financial support and capacity-building training to scale climate-focused initiatives in waste management, tree planting, and advocacy. We also collaborate with local organizations and government authorities to shape policies and engage communities in climate advocacy.
6. We offer professional training for women to start eco-friendly businesses, producing items like reusable bags and bamboo furniture, thereby fostering economic empowerment and environmental responsibility.

Outcomes

• Communities in Kenya are resilient to climate change impacts, effectively managing flooding and drought situations through enhanced preparedness and resource availability.
• Urban informal settlements thrive in cleaner environments, significantly reducing health risks associated with waste and pollution.
• Sustainable practices are integrated into daily life, leading to improved water security and increased agricultural productivity.
• Residents actively participate in environmental stewardship, fostering a culture of sustainability that empowers future generations to thrive despite climate challenges.
• Collaborative networks among community members and community-based organizations are strong, enabling them to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Progress and future

Today, we continue to innovate and partner with CBOs to scale climate-focused initiatives and collaborate with local organizations and government authorities to shape policies that engage communities in climate advocacy. We have facilitated the construction of water pans—small dams designed to capture and store rainwater—serving rural communities across the country, including in Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Kisumu counties. These water pans provide year-round water access, alleviating the burden on women who previously walked miles to fetch water. This innovation empowers them to raise livestock and start businesses, contributing to their economic independence. Additionally, the water pans reduce flood risks, preventing land loss and curbing the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, which surged after the floods in early 2024.

Achievements

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