Home 3

Similarly, high temperatures in the ASALs can be converted into clean energy. The average daily irradiance is to the magnitude of 4-6kWh/m^2., with peak sun hours (PSH) going up to 10 hours per day. This gives the ASALs comparative advantage in terms of generation of solar energy.

Having water all-year round will, inter alia, help in improving agricultural production, hence simultaneously assist in alleviating water scarcity and food insecurity. This fits well into SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and the Food Security item in Kenya’s Big 4 Agenda. It also responds to SDG 4 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Harnessing solar power will widen Kenya’s energy mix, enhance access to energy by a large number of people, and thereby help in reducing high levels of energy poverty which blends seamlessly with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Among other benefits, green energy leads to a clean and healthy environment devoid of polluted air, thus reducing respiratory ailments that lead to the premature death of about 8 million people world- wide every year. The EAC’s Vision 2050 envisions providing 92.9% of its population with clean water, and that 90% of them should have access to electricity by mid-way through the current century. Access to water guarantees proper hygiene and sanitation, consequently minimizing incidents of water-borne diseases.

Water is life while energy traverses all human endeavors. These two are therefore principal cogwheels in the engine of sustainable development. By giving ASAL communities the opportunity to access these key resources, this will enable them to operationalize their potential in Kenya’s social-economic landscape.

Given the existential threat posed by climate change and the fact that this phenomenon can trigger and exacerbate human suffering, Save the Drylands hopes to contribute, however minuscule, in changing the narrative regarding the day-to-day situation in ASALs. If our aspirations prove successful, they could be emulated elsewhere because our ultimate goal is to contribute to lessening human suffering.

With diverse support from like-minded stakeholders, we hope our dreams will one day see the light of day.