By Rick Cober Bauman, Mennonite Central Committee Canada

MCC has long cherished its commitment to engaging government around advocacy for just public policy.

Our impetus for this commitment grows from our work in communities across Canada and in over 40 countries internationally. In our interaction with local partners, we may see need for an emergency humanitarian response, or an opportunity for a long-term development project. However, it is also in engagement with partners where we may be invited to apply our voice or amplify the voice of our partners in calling for policy change. And often the changes needed are to policies here in Canada or in the United States. Such policy change may well benefit the community of a local partner but often may also benefit broader society.

I recall in my first visit to Uganda over 6 years ago, meeting with a group of Karamajong pastoralists. MCC had been part of a long-term food security project to ensure consistent access to irrigation water as the community began to develop agricultural cropping to complement their cattle herding. This was a direct response to their experience of changing climate patterns that had made dependence on their herds alone for food security far too risky.

I have vivid memories of multiple Karamajong speakers whose stories carried no doubt about the impacts of what in translation became “climate change”. Several also talked about the severe conditions of the last year where, despite their best efforts to supplement their herds with squash, pumpkins and mung beans, the community had still faced extreme food shortages. One held up an empty metal can to underscore her gratitude to MCC for our provision of canned turkey in response to their immediate need.

Not explicitly spoken but nonetheless a clear message for us, was the call for us to renew our efforts to advocate for just climate policy in our home country. Walking with this community to help them adapt to local climate change impacts is a vital and credible response for MCC. Using our voice to advocate for emissions reductions policy is equally necessary and faithful.

Photo: Nakiru reminded visitors to her Karamajong community of the impacts of climate change on their food needs.