In the arid plains of Mandera County, where farming is often challenged by harsh weather and limited water resources, one woman’s determination is sowing a story of hope and resilience.
Fatuma Mohamed Alasow, a smallholder farmer from BP1 village, is among the 1,200 farmers benefiting from the HANAANO Programme, an initiative that is transforming lives through climate-smart agriculture.
Fatuma, a member of the Mother-to-Mother Support Groups (MtMSGs), proudly showcased her thriving farm this week, where she is harvesting fresh capsicum and spinach ready for the local market.
The HANAANO Programme, implemented by the Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA) in collaboration with Concern Worldwide and funded by IrishAid, aims to strengthen food security, enhance household incomes, and build resilience among vulnerable pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities across Mandera County.
Through the programme, farmers receive hands-on training in climate-smart agriculture, including water conservation, soil management, and the use of drought-tolerant crops.
The approach is helping local farmers adapt to the growing impacts of climate change while reducing dependency on erratic rainfall.
For Fatuma, the impact is already visible. Her once-barren land now produces fresh, nutritious vegetables that feed her household and supply nearby markets.
The extra income has allowed her to support her children’s education and improve her family’s living conditions.
As more farmers, like Fatuma, adopt climate-smart techniques, Mandera County is witnessing a quiet transformation, proof that with the right support, innovation, and determination, drylands can indeed flourish.
The success of the HANAANO Programme highlights the power of partnerships in addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable livelihoods.