Long periods of drought are depleting precious water and pasture, and having a devastating impact on food production and livelihoods in Kenya. Islamic Relief is helping communities adapt to the changing climate by building dams and implementing solar-irrigation technology, which is helping to provide food and water sources for thousands of people.
In Moyale, Kenya, a lack of rainfall together with recurrent droughts are leading to widespread hunger. Not only are droughts affecting food sources and supplies, but in a predominantly agricultural area they have destroyed many livelihoods, as local people struggle to rear animals and grow crops with little water.
Islamic Relief is running a project to help boost local economies and free families from worry about where their next meal will come from. It aims to reduce the poverty and vulnerability of pastoralist communities by supporting them to develop reliable, long-term and independent livelihoods.
The project is helping to empower women in the area, and giving them a reliable source of income.
“ In the past, farming was associated with men, but Islamic Relief’s solar drip irrigation project has allowed women to participate also”, says Rukia, chairperson of her farmers groups.
She has found that many women are now able to help support their families with the income they earn from selling their produce.
“Selling vegetables from our acre of land has improved our families’ incomes. We are relieved that we can support our husbands to meet the basic needs of the home. Our staple food was ‘ugali’ and milk. Now we are growing green vegetables that are good for our health, “says Rukia.
Agriculture and livestock are integral for rural commintites to be able to feed their families, and ultimately, to survive. Islamic Relief continues to build resilience and reduce the vulnerability of rural communities affected by climate change.
2021 OCHA