Role Of International Non-Governmental Organizations In The Adaptation And Mitigation Of Climate Change By Vulnerable Groups In East Africa. Case Study, Kenya; 2000-2016

Abstract

Although climate change affects everyone, effects are disproportionate with different populations having different experiences. Corresponding to the vulnerability of developing countries to climate change is the vulnerability of vulnerable groups who make up the majority of the world‟s poor and are therefore more affected by the effects of climate change. The vulnerable groups are the most affected by climate change due to the location of their habitats as well as the manner by which they make their livelihood. They live in unsafe areas such as low-elevation coast zones, have no insurance and have no alternate source of livelihoods. Their livelihoods involve much interaction with climate change and are greatly compromised by climatic events whose occurrence leaves them penniless. Vulnerability to climate change is affected by factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status, health status and geographical factors. According to the Kenyan constitution, vulnerable groups include children, women, youth, disabled, the poor and the elderly. Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change committed to promote and consider their obligations to people and communities in vulnerable situations when addressing climate change and adopt approaches that are not only country driven but which are also gender responsive and take into account vulnerable groups and communities. The Kenyan government is therefore obligated to include vulnerable groups in its climate change strategies. Despite this, the government is not able to carry out its duty because it does not have the resources to reach these groups. INGOs are therefore vital in filling this gap. They are one of the key players in climate change management and have been crucial in climate change management in Kenya. 89% of the surveyed NGOS had climate change related projects in place or in progress. They have performed a variety of roles in mitigation and adaptation of climate change through the development of strategies and projects addressing environmental issues as viii well as sustainable development. This has been accomplished through collaboration with the government, local NGOs and Community based organizations.