Climate Adaptation

At Dorcas, we support communities in adapting to the growing impact of climate change on their livelihoods and the natural environment. As climate shocks increasingly affect food production, water availability, and land health, we collaborate with communities to enhance their capacity to adapt to change and develop long-term resilience.

Our climate adaptation approach focuses on protecting and restoring the natural resources on which people depend. We work across three closely connected areas:

  • Food.
  • Water.
  • Land.

By strengthening climate-resilient food systems, promoting sustainable water management and restoring degraded landscapes, we support communities in reducing climate risks and securing their livelihoods.

Our programmes support practical, locally led solutions. Our aim is to build resilient communities that can adapt to a changing climate while sustaining their livelihoods and the natural environment for future generations.

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Dorcas's strategy for flourishing communities in the face of climate change

The deepening climate crisis is reshaping the way people in many parts of the world live, grow food and manage natural resources. Food systems are becoming more exposed and susceptible to climate shocks. Land degradation and deforestation are accelerating biodiversity loss and reducing agricultural productivity. Meanwhile, water insecurity, droughts and floods continue to threaten sustainable livelihoods.

At Dorcas, supporting communities to adapt to these changing conditions is a key priority.

How children in Kenya are involved in tackling climate change

Kenya is severely affected by climate change, experiencing challenges such as prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and floods. These environmental stresses caused by global warming have led to land degradation and deforestation, further exacerbating the country’s vulnerability. To combat this, the Kenyan government has set a target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.

Stories and articles

How Dorcas is using local solutions to tackle climate challenges 

Yesterday, the 30th UN Climate Conference (COP30) officially opened in Belém, Brazil, with an urgent call to implement climate pledges. Running until 21 November, the summit is focused on accelerating the implementation of practical solutions […]

Building a climate-resilient future in Kenya: Brendah’s journey with Dorcas

Reading time: 3 minutes Brendah, 33, from Kenya, works for Dorcas on Climate Adaptation and Resilience. Brendah: ‘My passion for the climate started in primary school. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from artificial fertilisers, we […]

Local power creates lasting change: Dorcas strategic plan 2026-2030

Reading time: three minutes. Dorcas is proud to announce the publication of its strategic plan 2026-2030: Local power creates lasting change. This roadmap sets out Dorcas’s vision for the coming years, focusing on empowering local […]

Climate-smart farming in Kenya: Boniface’s story of transformation

Dorcas Kenya and our partner, Kitise Rural Development (KRD), have recently concluded the Makueni Pasture and Milk Value Chains Project. Through this initiative, we worked to enhance livelihoods in Makueni County by promoting climate-smart agriculture, […]

Dorcas’s three-pillar strategy for flourishing communities in the face of climate change 

The deepening climate crisis is reshaping the way people in many parts of the world live, grow food and manage natural resources. Food systems are becoming more exposed and susceptible to climate shocks. Land degradation […]

How children in Kenya are involved in tackling climate change 

Kenya is severely affected by climate change, experiencing challenges such as prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and floods. These environmental stresses caused by global warming have led to land degradation and deforestation, further exacerbating […]

Iraq’s urgent need for climate-smart agriculture: how the Waterboxx makes a difference

In Iraq, the challenges posed by climate change are enormous, with temperatures rising seven times faster than the global average. Over the next decade, Iraq is expected to experience significant increases in flooding, drought and […]

Building climate resilience in Kitui County with Dorcas Kenya’s innovative tree-planting initiative 

Kitui County, one of Kenya’s semi-arid regions, is facing severe challenges from climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, floods, and invasive species are taking a heavy toll on the region’s ecosystems and livelihoods. […]

Cor: ‘I stand up for people affected by the consequences of climate change’  

Cor is a former Programme Manager and Country Director at Dorcas. ‘South Sudan is not only plagued by conflicts. It is also prone to flooding due to its relatively low elevation. The country lacks the infrastructure […]

Floods and droughts are two sides of the same coin

The United Nations describes droughts as one of the greatest threats to sustainable development. Forecasts predict that by 2050, droughts may affect more than 75 percent of the world’s population. The magnitude of this problem […]

Women’s empowerment with clean cooking

Today is International Women’s Day: a day that is celebrated around the world! On this day, we specifically acknowledge and honour the achievements and strength of women from all backgrounds. This year, the UN highlights […]