Think & Do Tank Kenya

Millennium Water Alliance Kenya is partnering with Akvo Foundation Kenya and VNG International to implement the Think and Do Tank: Kenya’s first climate think-and-do tank, with the main objective of building resilience and boosting sustainable agrifood investment in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya.  

Objective 

Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) are among the most susceptible areas to the climate crisis, leading to food insecurity, poverty, and conflict. This pioneer initiative funded by Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya is geared towards convening, connecting and catalyzing investments in the water, agri-food systems and energy sectors in the ASALs, by leveraging existing and new data for coordinated actions along key value chains, the project aims to engage public and private sector actors, especially relevant government departments, farmers, and small and medium enterprises, to promote sustainable agrifood practices.

Approach

The Think and Do Tank is a hub that will provide technical support to stimulate dialogue and coordinated action along selected value chains. The hub aims to boost the private sector towards more sustainable agrifood systems by providing evidence-based and targeted insights through data, collective analysis, investment opportunity profiles, and dissemination through a repository/dashboard.

VNG International provides targeted technical support to county-level institutions to build their capacities for analytics and adaptive management, and improving knowledge management and communications.  Social Accountability methodologies will be employed at the lower levels of county institutions and with communities to help translate public accountability messages into efforts.

Results

The platform aims to provide an enabling environment that makes climate information accessible, improves collaboration and coordination, and boosts access to finance for businesses. By doing so, the think-and-do tank platform has the potential to support employment and generate revenue, while enhancing food security and optimising sustainable value chains. We expect the platform will contribute to reduced poverty rates and long-term stability and prosperity in the region, improving overall socio-economic conditions.