Empowering Narok and Migori Journalists: Mastering Climate Change Reporting for a Greener Future

As climate change affects rural areas, journalists are getting new tools to tell important stories about environmental recovery. Recently, 39 journalists from Narok and Migori counties attended a workshop focused on reporting environmental issues, held in Narok from May 6 to 8. This event was organized by partners in the Global EverGreening Alliance’s Restore Africa programme, led by World Vision Kenya and Justdiggit.

Dr. Faith Muniale, who directs the Restore Africa Programme, explained that the goal of the workshop was to enhance journalistic skills in covering climate issues. She stressed the importance of storytelling in showcasing community efforts for ecosystem restoration. “Local journalists are key to raising awareness and inspiring action on climate,” she said. “This training helps them communicate the urgent need for restoration effectively.”

The Restore Africa programme is a massive initiative aimed at community-led land restoration. In Kenya, it plans to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded land and support 250,000 smallholder farmers, with a goal of sequestering over 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 30 years.

In Migori County, the programme is already active, working with more than 3,200 farmers in the Nyatike Sub-County. During the recent rainy season, they planted 210,000 tree seedlings and registered 180,000 trees using a method called Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). This approach is vital for land restoration. The aim is to restore 6,416 hectares and improve the lives of over 14,000 households.

Meanwhile, in Narok County, the programme plans to engage over 50,000 smallholder farmers and restore 77,500 hectares using FMNR techniques and tree planting. So far, they have planted 375,000 indigenous trees with the help of 9,000 farmers.

George Omollo, a project coordinator at Justdiggit, highlighted that this workshop marks the start of a nationwide training effort. Similar workshops will be held in Kilifi, Kwale, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. “We aim to train more than 100 journalists, amplifying local voices to foster informed public dialogue about climate solutions,” he noted.

As Kenya faces more frequent droughts, floods, and heat waves, the role of media in climate education has become crucial. The information shared by journalists can influence public perception and promote action. A recent survey found that 76% of Kenyans believe media plays an important role in environmental advocacy. This growing awareness highlights a shifting culture towards valuing environmental journalism.

The stories told by these journalists can spark conversations and drive change. They may inspire individuals and communities to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. As climate challenges grow, the need for clear, compelling storytelling has never been more important.

In a world where information can shape actions, empowering journalists is a vital step toward a healthier planet. Stay updated on these efforts and the stories that are unfolding in our communities.

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ClimateClimate change, Farmers