As far as the residents of Swari and Resim villages in Samburu county can remember, cattle keeping has been part and parcel of their culture. All their norms and beliefs for ages have been around cattle and pastoralism as their way of life.

Droughts in the largely ASAL area of Samburu county have been cyclic, a dry season is followed by a rainy one. Communities have been able to survive and rebuild after drought. However, the 2021/22 drought was one of a kind. Many of the older members of the communities say they have never seen a drought so destructive, one where the bleating of goats and mooing of cows was no longer heard in the homesteads.

“The wealth and respect accorded to every manyatta (homestead) is dependent on the cattle they have. Our livestock are our investment” Amos Lekirimpato, the chairman of the Naret Self-Help group, witnessed the erosion of tradition and identity as the climate exacted its toll. “It is considered shameful for a household not to have livestock,” he sighed, his heart heavy with the burden of expectation. “But how can we maintain our pride when our very livelihoods are at stake.

“We lost so much.” Illkiriman Lasalung’a, a father and shepherd, says pensively as he watched helplessly his livestock dwindling, the parched earth unable to sustain them. “I nearly lost everything,” he shared, his voice tinged with sorrow reminiscing. “The land that once sustained us now threatens to swallow us whole.”

All the pastures were depleted; water sources became nonexistent. The remaining earth dams became too salty for human or livestock consumption. Women and girls would walk as far as ten kilometers to fetch a 20-liter jerrycan of water for their households. Most of the men left their homes for far way places in search of pasture for their already depreciated goats and cattle. Many cattle would collapse and die from hunger, thirst and exhaustion.

The arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya are experiencing profound shifts in climate, characterized by more frequent and severe droughts. These prolonged dry spells have become increasingly detrimental, particularly for agriculture and livestock production, which are the backbone of livelihoods in these regions. Over 80% of Kenya’s landmass is affected by these climate changes, with devastating consequences. In 2021 alone, over 2 million people in ASALs faced severe food shortages, highlighting the severity of the situation. Additionally, approximately 4.2 million Kenyans residing in ASALs have been affected by the prolonged drought, leading to acute food insecurity and dire living conditions.

The challenges posed by climate change and drought are further exacerbated by water scarcity, limited resources, and low levels of literacy regarding climate-smart techniques in these regions. Despite efforts to implement resilience-building measures, such as water harvesting systems and crop diversification, the impact of climate change persists. Moreover, the influence of El Niño events aggravates the situation, leading to increased rainfall and subsequent flooding, which further disrupts livelihoods and strains access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure.

Under the guidance of local organization SND, community groups in the area were mobilized to develop proposals of projects that were useful to the larger community. Under the Loss and Damage project, funded by the Scottish Government through Oxfam in Kenya. This approach is based on the premise that local communities understand their context and are in the best position to propose and implement initiatives that promote their collective resilience and recovery from climate change loss and damage.

Community groups received cash to implement projects of their choice that will benefit the local community. From the purchase of goats to distribute to vulnerable communities to the construction of communal bathrooms and water troughs, communities in Samburu county are proof that locally led transformation is possible.

 

Distribution of goats to vulnerable households – Naret Self Help Group & Nabuluu Self-Help Group

The Nairet Self Help Group comprising of 17 dedicated male and female members embarked on a transformative process to address the repercussions of the drought among the vulnerable members of the community.

With guidance from the SND team and the SCLR funding of Kes. 535,000.00 to their group, the group members decided to purchase 90 goats to distribute to the households most affected by the effects of the drought.

The SCLR concept provide the opportunity for community members in groups to select the most viable project that would benefit most members of the community. The members have the leeway and independence to decide the most viable and inclusive activity to be implemented in their locality.

The choice of purchasing and distributing goats was deliberate and practical and as one member aptly states

“Goats are cheap, multiply quite fast and they are the best to recover from the drought. These animals have been our lifeline,” shared Illkiriman Lasalung’a, a beneficiary of the intervention, his eyes shining with gratitude. “They offer us hope for the future.”

The goats have also been purchased from the local market, promoting the local income and economy. This decision not only addresses the immediate household need but lays a foundation towards recovery and making households self-reliant

 

“The goats supplied in Resim village have already started breeding, and some have already become expectant,” remarked Illkiriman “Very soon, we are anticipating more production of milk and other products,” he added, his voice tinged with optimism for the future.

In a heartfelt account, Namelo Naseku (Pseudonym), a widowed mother of three, recounted the devastating impact of climate change on her once-thriving livelihood. “I nearly lost everything,” she shared, recalling the dire situation that left her with only three goats and one cow out of her once-abundant herd of 20 shoats. “These three surviving goats have been our lifeline,” she added, emphasizing their crucial role in providing sustenance for her and her children. Despite the hardships, being identified as a beneficiary within her community brought a glimmer of hope to Namelo. “I’m a happy woman now,” she expressed with gratitude, as she recounted her selection to receive two she-goats. With optimism in her voice, Namelo envisioned a brighter future, anticipating the reproduction of the goats and the subsequent increase in yields of milk and meat for her family, owing to the quick reproduction timelines that shoats have.

 Recyclable dignity kits for women and girls in Swari village –  Naibunga Women Group

When drought strikes the ASAL areas, communities lose their cattle, which is their main source of livelihood. This dire situation plunges majority of households into poverty, aggravates disease and desperation becomes rampant in a majority of the households. With limited resources, food for the family and pasture for the remaining livestock becomes the priority.

In the midst of this desperation, women and girls suffer in silence. Most families are unable to afford sanitary pads as the income is too limited to consider this. “Will we purchase food or sanitary pads?” asks pensively. In any desperate situation, the reproductive and health rights of most women and girls will be the most neglected of basic needs and considered a non-essential.

Naibunga Women Group chose to support 200 HHs with vulnerable women and girls in Swari village with recyclable sanitary pads. Some of the selected girls are pupils at the local Swari Primary School.

 

“We noted that menstrual hygiene was a major challenge within our community,” shared the chairlady of the Naibunga Self-Help Group, emphasizing the taboo nature of the topic that made it difficult for women to discuss openly.

“We couldn’t even bring ourselves to ask our husbands and fathers for sanitary pads,” she confessed, highlighting the struggles faced by women due to the lack of access to proper sanitary products. “This intervention was a means of restoring dignity to our women and daughters,” she explained. With the kits, women gained confidence to manage menstrual hygiene openly. “Now, with these kits, we feel more empowered to take care of ourselves,” one community member shared.

Sensitization sessions equipped them with essential tips and skills, involving men to raise awareness and foster understanding. “At first, I didn’t understand why it was such a big deal,” admitted one man who attended the sessions. “But now, I see how important it is for our wives and daughters to have access to these resources.” This initiative not only provided practical solutions but also sparked crucial conversations, leading to a positive shift in attitudes. “We have seen a positive shift in attitudes,” the chairlady noted proudly. “Women and girls no longer have to suffer in silence, and men are more supportive and understanding,” she added, reflecting on the impact of their efforts.

“This will keep many girls in school and encourage their active participation in their education and social life” says the head teacher of Swari Primary School.

Pamela Longidi (Pseudonym), a young mother of three, shared her transformative journey from fear to empowerment. “I used to dread walking home, ashamed of my stained clothes,” she confessed, tears swelling in her eyes. “But with the help of the dignity kits and training sessions, I’ve regained my confidence and strength. I can now envision a brighter future for my children. No longer do I fear venturing to the market to provide for them.”

Livestock watering trough and bathrooms for Resim village: Naserian Community group.

Community members of the Resim village are grateful to have an existing borehole in their locality. However, even with this resource, community members will take a very long time to water their livestock. The borehole lacks a proper drinking area for the cattle and separation from those watering their cattle and those fetching water or their households.

 

At Resim Borehole, a split jerrican served as a makeshift trough, before the construction of modernized water infrastructure in Samburu County

Responding to this need, Members of the Naserian Community group opted to enhance the boreholes’s functionality by expanding the water trough to provide a chance for cattle owners to comfortably water their camels and goats.

In addition, they also opted to build separate bathrooms for both men and women. This, according to the group members is to uphold the dignity and privacy of the villagers who have been using the neighboring area for bathing.

“We constructed bathrooms near the borehole,” shared one member, his voice brimming with pride. “Now, everyone can bathe safely, without fear of judgment or provocations. We’re pitching in to build a pit latrine,” declared the group, “putting an end to open defecation near our water sources.”

 

           

Bathrooms constructed near Resim Borehole ensure safety and dignity for community members.

 

The group led initiatives are deeply rooted in the spirit and community among the residents of the area. SCLR framework provides a platform for communities to take an active role in their transformation and recovery from the loss and damages from climate change. The initiatives must be democratically selected and must yield the greatest benefits for majority of the community members.

Early Childhood Development (ECD) classes in Lengarde village: Naboisho Self-Help Group.

 

The project also facilitated the construction of two Early Childhood Development (ECD) classes in Lengarde village, spearheaded by the Naboisho Self-Help Group, within the Oltepes and Illbasabuk settlements. These newly built classrooms provide a formal learning environment for approximately 80 pupils, a significant improvement from the previous practice of gathering under the shade of trees, affectionately referred to as the Nabulu-Loipi (meaning “growing shades” in the local dialect). Prior to the construction of these classrooms, children endured numerous challenges, including arduous walks of up to 12 kilometers to reach the nearest school. This perilous journey exposed them to various risks, such as insecurity, encounters with wildlife, flooding during the rainy season, and extreme heat during sunny days, navigating unforgiving terrains.

 

 

“As a result of these challenges, the community often prevented girls and young boys under the age of ten from attending classes, while others chose to drop out altogether and remain at home. This situation highlighted the pressing need for improved educational infrastructure and enhanced access to schooling, especially for vulnerable children facing significant barriers to learning,” explained Masiwani Lemarash, a respected community member in Lengarde village, emphasizing the necessity and rationale behind the decision to construct the ECD classes.

This situation highlighted the pressing need for improved educational infrastructure and enhanced access to schooling, especially for vulnerable children facing significant barriers to learning.

 

“Naboisho Self-Help Group actively engaged the community throughout the entire construction process, fostering trust and confidence between the group and the community members who actively participated in the building efforts,” she added. This inclusive approach has strengthened community ownership and fostered unity among the residents involved in the project.

“We realized that by working together, remarkable achievements can be realized,” expressed Letimass, reflecting on the collaborative effort that enabled the swift completion of the construction project. She emphasized the need to further enhance the school facilities by incorporating a kitchen and toilet, ensuring that the school is fully equipped to meet the needs of its students.