Inter-Cultur / Development Cooperation / Kenya / Strengthening Livelihoods and Improving Food Security of Turkana Women in Kangathotha and Kerio Wards

Kenya
Strengthening Livelihoods and Improving Food Security of Turkana Women in Kangathotha and Kerio Wards

Duration
2021 – 2023

Budget
280 000 €

Beneficiaries
Women

Due to climate change, many people have lost their livelihood in the rural Kenya. Helping to mitigate these risks while providing people skills on sustainable agricultural practises helps to strengthen food security and income for whole communities.
↑ Due to climate change, many people have lost their livelihood in the rural Kenya. Helping to mitigate these risks while providing people skills on sustainable agricultural practises helps to strengthen food security and income for whole communities.
Zero hunger (SDG 2)Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)Gender equality (SDG 5)

Strengthening Food Security

In the arid regions of northern Kenya, the threat of hunger is ever-present. Repeated dry spells due to climate change have exacerbated the vulnerability of agricultural-pastoralist communities, resulting in food insecurity. The Turkana people’s dependence on natural resources, the region’s marginalization, and lack of infrastructure leave them vulnerable to environmental change. The lack of alternative livelihoods has forced many households to rely on means of subsistence that further degrade natural resources. Consequently,  a vicious circle of poverty and food insecurity prevails in the region.

With the support from Inter-Cultur's partners Caritas Finland and Caritas Lodwar, the project aims to strengthen the food security and livelihoods of women and their families in poor pastoralist communities in the Kerio and Kangatotha districts of Turkana province. The project aims to create new livelihood opportunities via vocational training and education to achieve its goals. The project grants technical formation in beekeeping, honey processing, and basket weaving. The project also supports market access for meat, honey, and baskets. Solidarity between groups has been built through establishing community-based savings and lending groups, which have supported cooperation between locals. This project supports and aligns with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This project has been funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Key Achievements and Outcomes:

  • Supported the economic practices of over 400 women, increasing their monthly income. 
  • 6 Savings and Internal Lending Community (SILC) groups have started to work independently to promote further economic and social development of the beneficiaries. 

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