After years of advocacy, Lamu Women Alliance (LAWA) and the community of Lamu are now taking their climate justice efforts to the next level focusing on livelihood-based solutions as a way of mitigating the impacts of climate change. This new shift came through funding under the Next Level Grant Facility (NGLF) by the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme, with LAWA recommending six active community groups for support.

These groups all drawn from women, youth, and community-based organizations include:

1. Lamu Timiza Group

2. Tarazak Group

3. Tatani Women Group

4. Manda Youth Action Group

5. Atlas Youth Organization

6. Mokowe Youth Action Group

Each group is now implementing practical climate solutions that merge environmental conservation with sustainable livelihoods ranging from mangrove restoration, waste management, beekeeping, tree planting, organic farming, to awareness creation on environmental protection. For years, Lamu Women Alliance (LAWA) has been a leading voice for women’s leadership and inclusion in climate justice. Through its advocacy under the Women in Climate Justice Project, supported by Akina Mama wa Afrika under VCA, LAWA has raised awareness on gender-responsive climate action, strengthened community voices in decision-making spaces, and promoted policies that center women and youth in climate dialogue.

However, beyond advocacy, LAWA always envisioned a future where communities could engage in hands-on, livelihood-centered climate solutions activities that not only raise awareness but also directly improve people’s lives. The NGLF funding became that bridge, turning years of Advocacy into tangible impact on the ground. This shift toward livelihood-focused initiatives is crucial in ensuring sustainability and resilience. Through the NGLF, the six groups are now implementing projects that directly address the daily challenges caused by climate change while providing income, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing food security.

“This support from VCA through LAWA’s recommendation gave us the courage to take action,” said a member from Tarazak  Group. “We have moved from talking about the impacts of climate change to actually doing something: planting trees, cleaning our environment, restoring mangroves to protect our coast.” Each of the six groups has expressed appreciation for the support and guidance they received through LAWA under VCA, noting that the support has helped them build stronger, more sustainable initiatives.

“LAWA, under VCA, helped us see that young people can lead climate solutions,” said a member from Manda Youth Action Group. “They guided us in developing our ideas and connecting them to real climate challenges. Today, we are leading mangrove restoration and engaging more youth in conservation.”“Through this funding from VCA, we are implementing projects that transform lives. shared a member from Atlas Youth Organization. We now see ourselves as part of a bigger climate movement. The success of these six groups under the NGLF represents a new beginning for community-driven climate action in Lamu that shows when advocacy is paired with action, real transformation happens.

Through VCA’s support and LAWA’s continued advocacy, women and youth are leading tangible climate initiatives that not only restore the environment but also improve livelihoods and local resilience. The NGLF has shown the importance of building capacity, trust, and opportunity proving that with the right support, grassroots communities can drive meaningful climate solutions that last beyond any project cycle.