According to the UN OCHA, Horn of Africa Drought Press release, February 2022, the region is experiencing one of its worst droughts in recent history. This follows three consecutive below-average rainy seasons severely affecting 12-14 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Among them, are about 3.1 million food insecure Kenyans living in pastoral and marginal agricultural areas. This is a 48 percent increase since August 2021 (KFSSG’s annual Short Rains Assessment, 2022).
The Kenya Food Security Outlook of February 2022, reports that crop production has been significantly affected by cumulatively below-average short rains, resulting in a significantly below-average harvest. In the pastoral areas, declining forage and water resources have led to pastoralists and their livestock migrating in search of pasture and water, resulting in conflict among communities over rangeland resources. These drought-affected households and their little surviving livestock are now affected by malnutrition. The situation is also dire for at-risk populations, with reports of increased Gender-Based Violence as well as disruption of education for school-going children, girls, and youth.
Bishara Guhad Wehiliye is a 45-year-old widowed mother of seven who, like many others in drought-stricken communities, struggles to provide food for her household every day. Bishara and her family live in Kabo village, Lafey Sub-County, Mandera County. Kabo is one of the worst drought-affected villages. She has been providing for her family’s needs by selling milk in the village. This venture is now impacted by drought. She also receives occasional help from her close relatives.
Mama Bishara is one of the beneficiaries of the Unconditional Cash Transfer support provided through the Oxfam and ASAL Network Drought Relief project. Mama Bishara’s life and that of her household was tough before the Cash Transfer intervention. As the breadwinner of seven children, she struggled to make ends meet and in particular provide food for her children. The monthly cash transfer of Ksh.5,522 enabled her to buy food, other basic needs such as medicine, and some lifesaving fodder for her remaining shoats.
“When I received the Kshs.5522 in the first month, I felt a sigh of relief. I am able to provide food for my family more comfortably for the first time in many months.” Reports mama Bishara.
As part of the drought Intervention Program, Nomadic Assistance For Peace and Development (NAPAD) with funding from Oxfam has supported 370 beneficiaries with Unconditional Cash Transfers from Arabia, Kamor Liban, Kabo, and Alungu locations in Mandera East and Lafey Sub-county respectively.
Mama Bishara has expressed her wish for the organization to extend the program for another two to three months as they wait for the rainy season to begin.