Access to water enhancing farming in Kenya's ASAL

[Antony Nyandiek, Standard]

For decades, residents of Isiolo's Ngaremara ward had to endure the struggles and sufferings that come with inaccessibility to water. The area borders Samburu and Meru counties, and the lack of water often resulted in conflicts, loss of livestock, and food insecurity, which led to increased cases of malnutrition, especially among children under five years of age.

Like other parts of the county, Ngaremara has been severely impacted by climate change and its effects, further threatening the lives of both humans and livestock. However, the communities are gradually building resilience and improving their livelihoods, especially socio-economically and in matters concerning health, thanks to improved access to water.