Mandera farmers who once watched their lands turn barren and unproductive are now witnessing a transformation, thanks to climate-resilient practices introduced through the BORESHA NABAD project by the Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA).
For decades, Mandera has been plagued by recurring droughts, invasive species, and widespread land degradation that crippled livelihoods and food security.
Today, however, new approaches are restoring hope and changing lives.
Recent field follow-ups by RACIDA show significant progress in land reclamation, fodder production, and climate-smart agriculture.
Farmers are planting drought-tolerant, high-yield seeds distributed through the project—ensuring reliable harvests even during dry spells.
Land once overrun by invasive species has been reclaimed, breathing new life into areas previously written off as lost.
Central to this success is the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, which directly links farmers to agrovet suppliers. Through RACIDA-facilitated trainings, farmers now access quality farm inputs, improve their skills, and embrace more entrepreneurial practices.
This shift is enabling them to become more self-reliant and less dependent on external aid.
Fodder production, especially seed bulking, is also thriving.
Given that livestock is the backbone of pastoralist communities in Mandera, a steady supply of quality fodder is reducing the devastating impacts of drought, improving livestock health, and strengthening household resilience.
The interventions span nine sites across Mandera County—Neboi, Fikow, Bur Abor, Khalalio, Meygag, Shantoley, Girisa, Kalicha/Mado, and Garse.
These communities are emerging as hubs of innovation, where sustainable agricultural practices are reshaping livelihoods and restoring dignity.
In addition, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) committees have been strengthened, ensuring preparedness for future climate shocks and protecting the gains already achieved.
Through BORESHA NABAD, RACIDA is demonstrating that integrated, market-driven solutions can revive degraded lands, enhance food security, and build long-term resilience.
Once-barren farms now stand as powerful symbols of determination, showing that with the right support, Mandera’s communities can overcome even the harshest environmental challenges.