In the heart of Baringo and Makueni counties, the echoes of resilience and transformation resound through the lives of pastoralists and farmers. Communities here have faced prolonged droughts, flash floods, escalating ethnic conflicts, and diminishing natural resources. Women often bear the brunt of these challenges, yet they have emerged as the pillars of hope and change.
Supported by ActionAid through the Gender Responsive Alternatives to Climate Change (GRACC) project, the women of Baringo and Makueni have taken the lead in combating the climate crisis, driving initiatives that diversify livelihoods and protect biodiversity. Through their women’s groups, they work tirelessly to ensure their livelihood sources are viable and climate-resilient. The women are not just being supported to adapt to climate change but also to influence local, national, and global policies to create an enabling environment for sustainable livelihoods. Their collective actions pave the way for a more resilient and equitable future. These women are transforming their communities by establishing food forests, promoting conservation, and diversifying income sources through agroecological enterprises.
Meet Elizabeth, Issabel, and Lydia, three women who have been directly impacted by the project:
Elizabeth’s Story
“I am Elizabeth Lokipunar. ActionAid has really helped me, together with my six children.”
Elizabeth is a farmer with strong connections to the land she farms. She grew vegetables on her farm, which she harvested to feed her family and sell for a living at the local market. When a prolonged drought, caused by climate change, hit her farm, Elizabeth’s livelihood was threatened.
“We have just experienced a four years’ drought. There was absolutely nothing to eat because of climate change.”
With ActionAid’s support through the GRACC project, she received training in agroecology, enabling her to transform her farm, protect her livelihood source, and empower her community. Reflecting on the training, Elizabeth said:
“We gained a lot of knowledge in agroecology that we currently adopted here. No one could know anything apart from attending and learning in these trainings.”
With newfound knowledge, the women are helping their families and communities thrive in the face of a four-year drought.
Issabel’s Story
Issabel, a mother of four and a proud member of the Oasis Women Group and the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), shares how ActionAid had supported livelihood adaptation when drought threatened their income and food sources. In addition to financial support, ActionAid provided agroecology and drought mitigation strategies training. The women received grass to plant and nurture using agroecological practices they learned. The grass has been used to feed cows for livestock and milk production.
The women now plant their food and manage water conservation, securing their future against the challenges of drought. Issabel told us:
“We now plant our own food. Now, you can have your own kitchen garden through conserving little water. I commend ActionAid for the great work they are doing. We no longer have to relocate from here!”
Lydia’s story
When Lydia’s community was affected by climate change, the scorching sun and water scarcity became daily battles for Lydia and her community. Their farms and livelihood sources were affected.
When Lydia’s community was affected by climate change, the scorching sun and water scarcity became daily battles for Lydia and her community. Their farms and livelihood sources were affected. Lydia struggled daily with the harsh reality of not having enough. Money was tight, and even basic necessities like vegetables were out of reach. She received support from ActionAid to build resilience and take control of her livelihood.
Lydia and other women in her community also established a Village Savings and Loan Association. This initiative transformed their lives and became a symbol of communal empowerment, breaking the chains of financial dependency.
“ActionAid has really helped me. We were trained in developing our own kitchen gardens. I learned and started my own farm.”
“Through this, my life was completely transformed. I started selling produce from my farm to buy other household materials and take care of my family.”
A Ripple Effect of Positive Change
In Baringo and Makueni, through agroecology, financial inclusion, and education, women are transforming their lives and creating a ripple effect of positive change. With continued support and collaboration, their journey toward empowerment and sustainability shines as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Through collective action, advocacy, and sustainable practices, they build resilient livelihoods and influence policies for a better future. As they continue to navigate the challenges of climate change, their stories of strength and resilience inspire us all to support and amplify their efforts.
In frontline communities where people’s livelihoods and food sources have been impacted by climate change, ActionAid supports individuals in adapting and reclaiming control of their income sources while building thriving and resilient communities.