In a time when climate change and water scarcity increasingly shape daily life, compelling storytelling can spark awareness and action.

Kenyan photojournalist Dishon Amanya has earned international praise for doing just that.

His impactful photograph, "Community Resilience Water Access Solutions in Times of Drought," has won top honours in the Governance Solutions category of the Solutions That Inspire Change photo competition.

The contest, a joint effort by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Global Water Partnership (GWP), and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), attracted 135 entries from 59 countries.

Photographers were invited to showcase innovative, real-world solutions to land degradation, water shortages, and the growing threat of drought.

Amanya’s image, taken in a rural Kenyan setting, stood out for its powerful depiction of local resilience and the role of policy in ensuring access to water during dry seasons.

The photograph shows a community young and old gathering at a shared water point, a scene that reflects both hardship and hope.

More than just a record of daily life, the image highlights how community-driven efforts, backed by supportive governance, can make a life-saving difference.

“This photo tells a bigger story,” Amanya shared. “It’s not only about fetching water it’s about effective systems, local solutions, and policies that empower communities during drought.”

His work documents practical interventions such as subsidized boreholes, rural water access programs, and collaborative planning.

These examples of climate adaptation underscore how leadership and inclusive governance can transform crisis into resilience.

Now celebrated globally, Amanya’s photograph is featured at the UNCCD headquarters in Bonn, Germany, and in a virtual exhibition hosted by the UNCCD’s Communities of Learning and Practice platform.

Known for his in-depth coverage of environmental and social issues across Kenya and East Africa, Amanya sees the award as a validation of journalism that centers community voices and overlooked struggles.

“I want this image to serve as a reminder to decision-makers, funders, and fellow journalists that those most affected by climate change are also leading the response. They deserve attention, investment, and respect,” he said.

Through his lens, Dishon Amanya not only captures a moment of need but also frames a broader message drought is not simply a disaster it’s a call to strengthen our shared responsibility and resilience.