The rate of malnutrition among children under the age of five years in Naoros, Turkana Central Sub- County, has significantly declined over the past year, thanks to collaborative interventions by the government and partners, including USAID Nawiri.
Statistics from the County Department of Health, as recorded for Naoros dispensary, reveal that malnutrition cases among children under five years decreased by 41% between January 2024 and December 2024
USAID Nawiri field Director Gabriel Ekuwam confirmed that 183 cases of malnutrition were reported in January 2024, compared to just 39 cases in December 2024.
“Out of the 183 cases reported in January, 166 were moderate malnutrition and 17 were severe acute malnutrition cases. By December, 36 cases were moderate while three were severe,” said Ekuwam.
Nicholas Lotukoi, the nurse in charge of Naoros dispensary, attributed this achievement to increased food production enabled by irrigation farming. He also credited the training of community health promoters (CHPs), who screen patients and recommend timely treatment at health facilities, as instrumental in reversing malnutrition trends.
“Mother-to-mother support groups focusing on breastfeeding and cooking demonstrations have also played a key role in reducing malnutrition,” added Lotukoi.
In collaboration with the County government and partners like Concern Worldwide, USAID Nawiri expanded irrigated land in Naoros from 100 acres to 390 acres, dramatically increasing crop yields. The Naoros farm program now supports 367 households, which celebrated their first harvest in January, the first in seven years.
Key crops cultivated on the farm include sorghum, maize, watermelons and green grams, as well as fodder for livestock. Looking ahead, Ekuwam announced plans to add 100 more acres to irrigation in 2025, aiming to further enhance food security and boost incomes for households in Kang’atotha Ward.
USAID Nawiri’s health and nutrition programs have been pivotal, supporting maternal and child nutrition through early detection, treatment, and referrals facilitated by CHPs.
Additionally, food security initiatives incorporate crop and fodder production alongside livestock interventions to ensure year-round food availability. To improve irrigation, USAID Nawiri partnered with Concern Worldwide and local communities to desilt a seven-kilometer canal that supplies water to the farms.
“These efforts ensure food is available at the household level, while increased income enables families to diversify their diets and maintain healthy living,” said Ekuwam. He emphasized the importance of adopting agroecological practices for sustainable water use.
Naoros Farm Chairman Peter Eyenae praised USAID Nawiri for addressing hunger in the village. He noted that farmers now have enough food for their households and earn additional income by selling surplus produce.
“The organization has trained farmers in proper farming practices and provided essential inputs, such as seeds. With increased production, residents no longer rely solely on livestock to meet their daily needs,” said Eyenae.
Naoros farm Chairperson Ruth Epat recounted past struggles, where women had to trek long distances searching for wild fruits during severe droughts like the 2011 famine. Kang’atotha Ward was among the hardest-hit areas at the time, prompting the Kenyans for Kenya fundraising campaign to provide relief.
“Today, women farmers grow their own food, feed their families, and earn income by selling surplus harvests,” Epat said. She called on the government and partners to expand the farm to benefit more farmers and provide essential farming tools.
“USAID Nawiri has also created job opportunities for youth, enabling them to support their families,” added Epat.
By Peter Gitonga
