Communities in Lulis, Mandera County, are taking bold steps to safeguard their pastoral livelihoods against the growing threats of climate change.
Through the HANAANO Program, implemented by RACIDA in partnership with Concern Worldwide and funded by Irish Aid, local Natural Resource Management (NRM) committees have spearheaded the construction of strategically located livestock watering troughs.
These newly built, climate-resilient structures are already making a difference.
By reducing the long trekking distances traditionally endured by herders, the troughs are easing the strain on livestock, cutting down stress, weight loss, and mortality.
The impact is visible in healthier herds, improved milk yields, and stronger household incomes, a critical boost for communities that rely heavily on livestock for survival.
The initiative embodies a community-led approach, ensuring that those most affected by climate shocks are directly involved in designing and implementing the solutions.
By channelling NRM grants to the grassroots level, the program empowers residents to strengthen their resilience and secure sustainable livelihoods in the face of recurring droughts and erratic rainfall.
Beyond improving livestock survival rates, the watering troughs also represent a growing shift toward long-term climate adaptation in pastoral areas.
With institutional capacity strengthened and local ownership at the center, the HANAANO Program is demonstrating how inclusive, community-driven climate action can deliver tangible and lasting benefits for vulnerable populations.
For the people of Lulis, the return of accessible water for their herds is more than just a relief; it is a renewed hope that pastoral livelihoods can not only endure but thrive in an era of increasing climate uncertainty.