Isiolo's dry land awash with greens as pastoralists turn to crop farming

Isiolo; Kenya: Mention Merti district in Isiolo County and what immediately springs to mind is a drought stricken region. But for farmers who have ventured into farming, the reality is different.

Though Marta village in Merti district has been known for famine and food insecurity, where many families depend on relief food, Molu Gilaba has a testimony of success.

His five acre farm which is adjacent to the Ewaso Nyiro river is a source of providence for his family. The 34-year-old, father of four’s farm is dotted with maize, vegetables and other food crops. As Mr Gilaba attends to his expansive farm, narrow terraces of water flowing from the Ewaso Nyiro irrigate his crops.

“Livestock keeping is no longer prestigious here. I have a few head of cattle but due to the harsh weather patterns, I can no longer keep as many as I used to. I don’t rely on them as a source of livelihood. The 2009 drought left many people devastated as we lost our livestock. Some people even developed serious mental disorders after they witnessed their livestock die,” says Gilaba.

Gilaba however says the Ewaso Nyiro River has helped the community turn its fortunes around. “I use water from the river, as this is the only wetland we have in this region. Without this river, we are doomed,” he says.

Similar sentiments are echoed by Dabaso Halkano who hails from Korbesa in Merti. Mr Halkano ventured into farming through the Tulla Self Help Group. The group encourages agro-pastoralism among its members and other locals.

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“We were so used to livestock but now we have diversified. We are farming and the gains are way better than those of livestock because we can harvest grain and keep it for future use,” Mr Halkano says.

He takes me to his granary where there are several sacks of maize and other cereals. “Look, this is my stock, I have prepared myself in case of any eventuality during drought. I don’t need relief food now as my family is happy,” he says.

At Manyatta village, things are no different.  Amina Mohamed and her family own a large farm where they have planted a variety of crops. One unique crop that captures my eye is the sunflower.

SUNFLOWERS SHINING

Sunflowers are only grown in the highlands of Kenya where it enjoys good rainfall. The crop’s huge green leaves and yellow flowers can be seen across the farm.

Ms Mohamed tells me they plant a variety of food crops on their farm. They have just harvested water melons and I have the honour of tasting one.

She tells me how life was difficult when they used to depend on livestock alone. “We don’t get rains often. Ewaso Nyiro is the only river we have here and if it dries, we will all die. We can go for two to three years without rain and this poses a huge challenge to our livestock which depend on water and pasture,” he says.

She continues: “Farming makes us feel comfortable and we supply our produce to Isiolo town. I am able to take my children to school and feed the family without any problems.”

However, the future for these farmers could turn bleak. Amina confirms that the Ewaso Nyiro River, which has its source in Mt. Kenya, is degrading day by day. “The water is now full of silt and levels are really going down,” she laments.