Desertification ravaging Kenya’s economy

Kenya is facing a severe food crisis as a biting drought continues to ravage the economy, putting immense pressure on households across the country. In response to this crisis, the country has recently received aid worth $16 billion from the US Government. CNBC AFRICA had the opportunity to speak with Carol Koech, the President of Schneider Electric, to delve deeper into the food crisis in Kenya and the pivotal role that technology is playing in combating desertification and bolstering food security initiatives. Carol Koech highlighted the efforts of the Rice World Heritage Foundation in filming documentaries across the globe to shed light on the challenges posed by climate change. Kenya has been selected as a location to showcase the impact of desertification and agro-pastoralism in raising awareness about climate change. Schneider Electric is actively engaged in promoting and supporting these filming initiatives to create awareness on a global scale. The ultimate goal is to drive significant impact among decision-makers in both public and private sectors. During the documentary process, crucial insights have been gained about how local communities are adapting to the harsh realities on the ground. For example, the Burana community has transitioned from traditional livestock like cattle and goats to camels due to their lower water requirements amidst a prolonged period of drought. Despite having solar-powered boreholes, challenges persist in accessing water efficiently, underscoring the potential for technology to enhance water access solutions. One key technology that has emerged as essential in addressing desertification is solar water pumping. While many boreholes have been installed with solar water pumping solutions, optimal operation is hindered by a lack of technical knowledge in installation and maintenance. Therefore, training technicians and locals is imperative to maximize the benefits of these technologies and ensure a continuous water supply. The current focus primarily lies in raising awareness rather than implementing specific interventions. The filming of documentaries serves as a starting point to shed light on the challenges faced by communities in desert locations. By disseminating the findings through a white paper and other channels, the aim is to mobilize stakeholders towards addressing the needs of these vulnerable communities effectively. The long-term goal is to measure the impact of coordinated actions and provide lasting solutions to alleviate food insecurity and related challenges. Access to renewable energy initiatives has played a vital role in offering relief to communities grappling with water scarcity and affordability issues. While competitive pricing and affordability remain key factors in ensuring widespread adoption, challenges persist in areas where existing solutions are not fully operational. For instance, some communities resort to costly diesel-powered generators to access water due to non-functional solar water pumping solutions. By reviving and optimizing these technologies, the burden of high operational costs can be alleviated, benefiting the communities significantly. Schneider Electric's portfolio of energy access solutions, including solar lanterns and home systems, is tailored to off-grid communities, aiming to enhance energy access and affordability. The company is actively engaged in educational programs to empower the youth with the knowledge and skills required to deploy these sustainable energy solutions effectively. As Carol Koech emphasizes, every individual has a role to play in the global conversation on climate change. The ongoing initiatives, such as the RISE documentary series, aim to raise awareness, culminating in a white paper that will be presented at COP28. The collective efforts towards combatting climate change and promoting sustainability reflect Schneider Electric's commitment to creating a lasting impact in the fight against environmental threats.