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Solar radios for Nyae Nyae Conservancy

Thirty-seven villages in the remote areas of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy will now be able to receive radio broadcasts and have access to outside information following the distribution of new solar powered Lifeline radios.
The European Union (EU) who funded the radios through their EU Climate Change Adaption Grant, is providing support to build and improve the capacity of local San communities to diversify livelihoods and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The large, sturdy solar radios are designed and purpose built for group listening, so work perfectly in the 37 villages around the conservancy, where distance and lack of transport limits communication. Without access to electricity, the solar powered radios are the ideal solution to help the isolated communities stay up to date with developments far removed from their everyday rural existence.
Another feature of the radios is the USB port which allows the villagers to charge their cellphones. This will help with general communication as well as improve the reporting of illegal grazing and fencing in their area.
The radios will be used to share information on conservation agriculture to improve food security and climate change resilience, information about fire management as well as general conservancy information and notifications of meetings.
Lara Diez of NNDFN who is leading the EU Climate Change Adaptation project, on Monday said sharing information and improving communications is vital for any remote community and their development.
“The communities are very happy with their radios, especially as there is a local NBC radio station, Ka radio, broadcasting in their local language. It really is a step forward in ensuring that ‘no one feels left out’ as envisaged in the Harambee Prosperity Plan,” she added.
Meanwhile, at the reception of the radios, the Nyae Nyae Conservancy also held its Annual General Meeting. At this meeting the annual report of the conservancy and its finances were tabled and discussed. A new budgets for the following year was also voted on.
Representatives from every village came together to take stock of what had been achieved and what still needs the attention of the conservancy and the organisations assisting it.

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