Agrifood systems

Laikipia North after the end of 2020 community conflicts over Tura grazing lands and O-lentile conservation area. Cattle are healthy, milk is plenty and children are full of joy every morning as they go to school

Approximately 50% of Kenya’s surface area consists of grassland. Mobile pastoralism—the movement of livestock according to the seasonal availability of pasture—is a traditional and widespread form of livelihood in this semi-arid region. This way of life, characterized by the herding of livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, is not just an economic activity but a cultural practice that has been passed down through generations. Pastoralists rely on their intimate knowledge of the land, seasonal weather patterns, and animal behavior to manage their herds and sustain their communities. This system promotes a sustainable use of resources through practices like rotational grazing, which helps maintain the health of the grasslands and ecosystems.

Over time, this system has however suffered several set backs that proves challenging for this communities to thrive in modern world. Firstly, the sector has been neglected by policy makers limiting their access to necessary resources and support, and mistrust is rife between pastoralist communities and governments, between pastoralists and ranches, and between different pastoralist groups. With Increasing population pressures, there has been widespread degradation of grasslands, particularly in these communal areas. Secondly, climate change has brought about more frequent and severe droughts, reducing the availability of water and pasture. Land degradation, encroachment, and competition for resources have further strained this delicate balance. Conflict over access to grazing and water has increased, and insecurity has further hampered development.

We at ACTNOW KENYA refuse to accept this status quo. In collaborative efforts between these communities, policy makers, and leaders in climate smart agriculture, these communities can transition to modern pastoralism blended with crop farming to ensure all members can continuously access nutritious foods at homes and schools.

1.4M

2.6M

Livestock deaths in Kenya between 2020 and 2023 leaving 4.6M people vulnerable

children under age of 5 go to bed hungry every day in arid areas of Kenya due to food insecurity and malnutrition

150k+

estimated livestock deaths in Laikipia county between 2020 and 2023 affecting more than hundred thousand people

Sustainable agrifood systems are essential to ensuring food security and nutrition for these vulnerable populations. These systems must be economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sound to address the interconnected challenges of hunger, poverty, and climate change. At ACTNOW KENYA, We place great emphasis on integrating practices such as value addition, community gardening and drip irrigation that enhance productivity while preserving natural resources, promoting equitable access to food and diverse agricultural opportunities, and leveraging indigenous knowledge and innovations to build resilient communities capable of thriving in the face of environmental and economic uncertainties.

We also focus our support on young people, schools, persons with disabilities(PWDs) and elders with vital nutritional needs. We adopt a holistic approach that includes water management, soil conservation, and climate adaptation strategies to strengthen local capacities through education, advocacy, and policy reforms that will empower communities to sustainably manage their resources and improve their livelihoods. We seek collaborative efforts from governments, alike organizations, and the private sector in fostering these sustainable agrifood systems that not only ensure food security but also contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of rural and indigenous populations of Laikipia North.

Home garden

In 2023, we provided seedlings to Sinteren to plant in the corner of her traditional homestead. Despite the long drought, she was willing to walk for hours to fetch water only so she would water her garden that later paid out. Two and half months later, her farm produced three kilograms of beans, four kilograms of fresh potatoes and two kilogram of maize. Our effort seeks to mobilize more resources to expand her garden and replicate the same project elsewhere across the community and feed more households like Sinteren's.

If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.

— Mother Teresa