One year after the Kenyans for Kenya Drought Initiative began, one of the areas, Walda Location in Sololo District, Moyale is already reaping the fruits of the Initiative. The Initiatives mid to long-term programming was to focus on Integrated Food Security, Water and Sanitation and Health with a specific objective of ensuring resilience to the impacts of drought for affected populations in Turkana North, East Pokot and Moyale.
The integrated food security and livelihood project in Walda was aimed at improving the food security situation of an estimated 2,100 people through irrigation projects, greenhouse farming and training of farmers. A total of four boreholes yielding 60 cubic meters per hour have been sunk.
A water pan as well as a dam for water storage was also sunk as well as delivery and installation of irrigation systems done. 60 acres of land was also identified for farming. The seedbeds were also set up. One year later, the residents of Walda are already recording bumper harvests. The key crops that are already being harvested include Tomatoes, buttercups, kales and spinach.
The residents are all smiles as they sell their farm produces in markets that include Marsabit, Moyale and Isiolo. Cooperatives have been established to ensure that the residents who have changed their lifestyle from pastoralist to also include farming learn how to manage their funds as well as ensure that their produce gets to the market.