In 2024, UN Women in Kenya successfully promoted gender-responsive climate action while building resilience and improving livelihoods for women, girls, and communities, thereby contributing to SDGs 1, 5 and 13.

621 women from 42 groups generated an income exceeding USD 143,733 in 2024 through Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices. This was achieved through public awareness campaigns on the importance of adopting CSA technologies, greater acceptance and support for women’s participation in agricultural and climate resilience and training carried out by agricultural extension agents. In addition, 27 Village Savings and Loans Association groups accessed USD 7,335 in loans in 2024, up from USD 6,122 in 2023. This enabled the women to invest in climate-resilient agricultural practices and enhancing their economic stability and resilience against climate shocks. It facilitated the adoption of new technologies and diversification of income sources, leading to improved livelihoods and greater agency for women within their communities. This has resulted in increased income for women, and reduced household poverty and gender-based violence, which in turn has contributed to increased school attendance for girls and fewer early marriages.

UN Women achieved these results through the “Kenya Economic Empowerment of Women through Climate-Smart Agriculture (WEE-CSA) in Arid and Semi-Arid Central Areas” project, carried out jointly with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, three Civil Society Organizations (Hand in Hand East Africa, Anglican Development Services Eastern and Village Enterprise), and the county governments in Laikipia, Kitui and West Pokot counties. UN Women empowered farmers through training, resources, and support for CSA practices, and fostered gender transformation through media campaigns, leadership and entrepreneurship training, market access facilitation, and promotion of gender-responsive policies.

The project was announced by OECD-DAC as a global, best practice project.