Empowering communities: youth-led change for food security and climate action

In the vibrant Naivasha constituency, where horticultural activities thrive, and amidst the bustling Naivasha Town, our journey led us to a remarkable organization, Picha Tamu. Established in 2013, this Community-Based Organization (CBO) began as a theater group, bringing school set books to life and performing at various events to sustain itself. Over time, Picha Tamu's mission expanded, transcending the stage to empower the local community, especially its youth.

Now consisting of 30 members, encompassing both male and female youths, alongside individuals with disabilities, Picha Tamu has diversified its activities. Smart farming, entertainment, feeding programs, advocacy projects for climate change action, tree planting initiatives, and environmental cleanups have become their modus operandi. Central to their mission is the urgent need to raise awareness about climate change, as many local youth and community members remain uninformed.

This youth-driven organization is one of the 68 Muungano wa Wanavijiji groups in Nairobi that received vital support from the VCA Group to scale up their climate innovations. The grant strengthened their daily operations, including smart farming demonstrations and feeding programs, which became pivotal during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

When the pandemic struck, many lost their jobs, plunging families into uncertainty. Recognizing this need, Picha Tamu initiated a program to support the community, particularly underprivileged children. With the VCA support grant, they now provide meals to pupils every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, compared to the once-a-week schedule before. Collaborations with organizations like Empire of Hope, Kenya Red Cross Society, Rotaract, Rotary, and the County Government have played a pivotal role in Picha Tamu's success, underscoring the importance of collective efforts.

The grant has further facilitated smart farming, helping supply vegetables for the feeding program and providing affordable produce to the local community. This financial support has also strengthened their tree planting initiatives, mostly concentrated in schools and the YMCA grounds.

Tree planting stands as one of the most potent tools to combat climate change, and Picha Tamu's dedication shines through their extensive tree planting programs during events and clean-up drives. The majority of trees gracing the YMCA grounds are courtesy of Picha Tamu, providing shade and reducing wind in the area.

The power of entertainment also plays a role in their mission. Leveraging talents and skills, Picha Tamu members participate in both government and private functions, earning income while educating the community about climate change through their artistic endeavors. Recognizing the reach of social media, they use this platform to disseminate information far and wide.

Tom Gicheru, the organization's chairperson, acknowledges that despite the group's achievements, they face challenges, particularly in terms of funding. The chairperson states that 'We receive support, such as grants and funding from different organizations, but it is not sufficient to smoothly run our activities. That is why we are actively expanding the networks to partner with more organizations.'

Picha Tamu faces its share of challenges, particularly financial constraints stemming from the large number of children they support. To enhance equality, the amount of food provided to children must be rationed. Additionally, they grapple with limited support from the community, especially among the youth. It's disheartening to note that some youth view cleanups and communal activities as dirty work and a waste of time, despite their potential to effect positive change. Makaveli, one of the group members, noted, 'Youth are not taking part in educational community programs and yet lack education or awareness about climate change, even though they are the future leaders of society.'

As a prominent community organization in Naivasha, Picha Tamu endeavors to reshape the perspective of the local youth. They are actively recruiting more members through social media platforms and community education programs focused on climate change action and awareness. They encourage everyone to join community groups in their areas, collaborate, and seek solutions to local problems, ultimately steering the youth away from anti-social activities.

With a vision of a food-secure community actively engaging in climate-related initiatives, particularly urban farming, Picha Tamu remains resolute in its mission to foster income-generating activities and drive positive change.

‍