Introduction

The month of August was an engaging and impactful period for ClimateCare CBO and Feathers of Hope (FOH), marked by active participation in workshops, capacity-building sessions, and steady progress in ongoing community projects. Our involvement provided valuable opportunities to share our experiences, learn from case studies, and strengthen our approaches in climate action, natural resource management, and human rights defense. At the same time, our field projects, including the Water Pan initiative and the Mavuno Bora group activities, continued to progress, reflecting our commitment to building community resilience, enhancing food security, and empowering youth and women through sustainable and climate-smart solutions

1. Participation in We World Workshop (Case Study Findings on Women and Youth in Climate Action & NRM)

During the month of August, ClimateCare CBO and Feathers of Hope (FOH) actively participated in a We World workshop focused on the findings of a case study regarding the challenges faced by women and youth in climate action and natural resource management (NRM).

We were honored to be given a platform to share our experiences, especially highlighting our initiatives in organic and  climate-smart agriculture. This provided us with the opportunity to demonstrate how FOH and ClimateCare at large are  working towards sustainable farming and resilience building in our communities.

From the discussions, we identified key gaps in the involvement of women and youth in climate-related decision making processes, as well as challenges in resource access and sustainability. Importantly, we gained insights on how to  further strengthen our projects by integrating Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming into our ongoing Azolla feed project.  The inclusion of BSF will not only improve the protein content in feeds but also reduce the high costs associated with  commercial feeds, making farming more affordable and productive for smallholder farmers.

2. Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Workshop

We also attended a specialized workshop on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). The training focused on the security of  HRDs in their line of work, particularly on:

• Reporting sensitive cases
• Collecting credible evidence, and Following proper procedures to safeguard such evidence.

This training was very valuable in strengthening our capacity to protect not only our members but also the integrity of  the work we carry out in advocating for the rights of communities, especially in matters related to climate justice,  governance, and equitable access to resources. 

3. Water Pan Project Progress

The Water Pan Project has made steady progress throughout the month. We are currently at the lining stage, with all  required materials already on site. The only pending step is the arrival of the technician, expected within the coming  week, to carry out the installation. Once completed, the water pan will significantly improve access to water for  agricultural use, livestock, and community needs, further enhancing resilience against climate-induced water scarcity.

4. Mavuno Bora Group Progress

The Mavuno Bora group has continued to demonstrate impressive results under our guidance and support. The group  is progressing well, with members still engaged in the harvesting of their produce. Their commitment reflects the  importance of collective farming and knowledge-sharing in ensuring food security, income generation, and youth  empowerment in the region.

5. Poultry Project (Feathers of Hope – FOH)

The poultry unit recorded 40 successful hatchings this month, which is a positive step in replenishing and
strengthening the flock. However, we also observed a drop in the number of eggs being laid compared to previous
months.

Prepared by Constatine Charo

FOH Project Manager