By Fardosa Isack, from Merti, Isiolo, in Kenya
- This testimonial is part of the campaign on climate and food justice launched by the CSIPM Youth Working Group. Read more testimonials here: https://www.csm4cfs.org/youth-voices-for-climate-justice-and-the-right-to-food/
Climate change is personal. As a young person from Merti, Isiolo I see its impact daily; droughts that leave farmers struggling, rising food costs, and communities forced to adapt or abandon their livelihoods. Agriculture, the backbone of our economy, is suffering, and young farmers are losing opportunities before they even begin.
That’s why I founded Barqata, previously known as Renewasal, a startup integrating renewable energy into agriculture to combat the growing effects of climate change. Dedicated to transforming the future of farming for smallholder communities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
1.1. A photo of me
We help farmers in Isiolo shift from costly diesel-powered irrigation to afordable solar solutions, cutting costs and reducing emissions, creating a more resilient and climate resilient agriculture.
But innovation alone isn’t enough. We need policymakers and world leaders to back youth-led solutions with funding, policies, and infrastructure that enable climate resilient agriculture.
It is time for policy makers and World leaders to listen, invest and act, the choices made now will shape the future we inherit.
1.2 Community Engagement with a group of farmers in Merti, Isiolo supporting transition to solar powered solutions
1.3 A maize farm in Merti, Isiolo County.