Friday, January 27, 2012

What Biogas technolology users have to say

Nguruman residents had something to smile at as ALIN rolled down Biogas tubular technology as a way of responding to climate change. Due to notable decrease in vegetation regeneration as a result of climate change and deforestation, community members needed an alternative source of energy for cooking other than firewood. Biogas technology was the option they landed at after reading an article in Baobab magazine featuring tubular biogas technology in Uganda and due to availability of raw materials for running the system which are, organic wastes and in this case, animal waste and water, they thought it was good technology to adopt.

They also put in consideration the benefits of using the technology like smoke free environment, reduced or no respiratory tract and chest complications, clean kitchen environment, saving time for other family chores and also that its a cheap technology to adopt.

The following video highlights what the families feels about the technology.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, the way to go.

The Arid Lands Information Network endeavors to improve livelihoods through access to information targeting to raise communities’ awareness of pertinent issues using ICT.
In pursuant of this noble objective, the network, with funding support from the Climate Development Network, has been implementing a six-month project to sensitize communities on climate change issues. The project aims to enhance community and decision makers’ awareness of effective and practical measures to adapt to climate change in East Africa to facilitate local adaptation strategies and to promote more responsive policymaking on climate change.

A key strategy in achieving the above objectives was to deliver two workshops to selected climate vulnerable areas. The workshops were meant to enhance community skills in handling climate challenges within the context of environmental conservation through best practices. The first workshop was held from Monday 21th – Tuesday 22nd November 2011 in Nguruman, Kajiado North District, Kenya.
The workshop brought together participants from Government, church, provincial administration, community-based organisations, media and facilitators.

Workshop objectives
The workshop set out to achieve the following objectives:
• Promote of understanding of climate change as a global crisis
• To improve the exchange of practical information on agricultural and climate change adaptation practices amongst the rural and agricultural communities
• Empower local governance structures to give input into national policymaking by enhancing local knowledge of adaptation and access to planning processes
• Contribute to participants’ capacity, knowledge and skills in environmental conservation through best practices such as green energy.

The design, structure and delivery of the workshop were greatly appreciated by
participants who now feel comfortable engaging in climate change mitigation
at a personal level. It is expected the training would have ripple effect in
improving environmental management towards food security.

Free computer literacy for Nguruman residents

Nguruman residents begun their new year with smiles on their faces as they actively registered themselves for the long awaited computer training classes. community members showed different reactions regarding response to the call.

"I was surprised to see so many people registering for the training....," said Kelvin Koinet, a training consultant at the Maarifa centre.

"Its so encouraging to see people thirsting for knowledge.." aded Mr. Kasifu,a community member and chairman to the advisory commitee.

Community members from all categories registered for the training including; chiefs, teachers, pupils, farmers and youth especially form four leavers. 84 community members registered for the training and the numbers are expected to go up since the training will be ongoing.


Sofar, more than 60 people have begun the training and all is well according to Mr kennedy, who is the trainer. "I have had no problems with the students. They are all anxious and have shown willingness to learn."


New computers
The center was also equipped with the state of the art equipments, the latest computer model, 'inveneo' courtesy of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 'Access to learning Award', a prestigious and highly competitive award which ALIN was declared the 2011 winner in recognition of the organisation's work in using ICT's to empower arid lands commuities by locating maarifa (knowledge) centres in remote arid lands across East Africa and providing free access to information resources, including the internet and library resources.



The training is offered for Free and to all willing community menbers.