Eleven women’s groups in Marsabit County have received farming tools, water and financial support from the Marsabit Women Advocacy and Development Organization (MWADO) to boost their livelihoods and strengthen household economic security, and enhance their resilience to drought and the impact of climate change.
The support was provided during celebrations marking the International Day of Rural Women, observed globally on October 15 but celebrated in Marsabit on October 17 due to other commitments. This year’s theme was “Rural Women Farmers caring for Mother Nature”.
MWADO Executive Director Nuria Gollo said the initiative aimed to encourage women to diversify their income sources beyond livestock keeping, which is vulnerable to recurring droughts.
She said the women’s groups engage in various activities, including crop farming, poultry keeping, beekeeping, tree nursery and porridge flour processing.
Gollo said the beneficiaries received farming tools and materials, water tanks and financial assistance to expand their businesses, repair equipment and improve production.
She added that the women had received training from government agricultural officers on farming, livestock production and agribusiness management. MWADO would also conduct follow-up visits to assess their progress.
Gollo said empowering women was essential because they played a central role in supporting families, educating children and contributing to community development.
However, she noted that women continued to face challenges, including female genital mutilation (FGM), gender-based violence and limited access to land and property ownership.
Marsabit Central Sub-County Agriculture officer Duba Nura, commended MWADO for collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to train women groups and promote food security.
He urged farmers to prepare their land and plant crops ahead of the expected enhanced rainfall from October 20, while encouraging them to embrace agribusiness to boost incomes and food security.
He also called on other stakeholders to support farmers in Marsabit County.
Habiba Ailo, a Social Development Officer, encouraged women to register their groups and disclosed to them that they can seek financial assistance through government programmes too, including the Women Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Development fund and NYOTA Project.
She commended MWADO for supporting rural women and said empowering them would improve household incomes, food security and community resilience.
Mara Sante, a member of the 40-member Hajinda Amann Women’s group in Marsabit Central Sub-County,said the group produces and sells porridge flour made from ingredients such as maize, wheat, sorghum, soya beans and cassava.
She said the group also practices poultry farming and grows sweet potatoes and cassava, with the income helping members support their families and educate their children. Sande said the group received Sh50,000 to boost its business.
Meanwhile, Joyce Dafardai of Songa Women’s Group in Karare Ward said the water tank. Seed and farming tools provided would help the group expand its tree nursery business and generate income.
The celebrations highlighted the importance of investing in rural women through access to resources, skills and financial opportunities to strengthen livelihoods, protect the environment and improve resilience against drought.
by Anthony Melly
