Nuria Abdi is a calm, elderly woman whose whole family lives under one frayed roof. Her shelter made with sticks and frayed fabric stands on dry, hot sand that clearly thirsts for some water. Animal droppings scattered all over her compound; the only evidence of the goats and donkeys she once possessed.
 

She is now the sole breadwinner for her entire family after her son got
injured in a motorcycle accident.


Nuria had donkeys and a cart that she would use to transport firewood
and sell them. The donkeys died during the drought and she lost her
source of livelihood.


When she learnt that she had been identified to receive cash
assistance, she was ecstatic. She could barely believe it. The news
revived hope within her.


Nuria is a program participant of the cash transfer program under the
Arid Lands Development Focus (ALDEF)/Oxfam partnership where she
received Ksh. 8,190 for a three month period. The funding is courtesy of the European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), as part of the climate emergency response program.

“From the money received, I was able to buy food, clothing and even pay school fees for my grandchildren. I take care of my children and their children ever since my son got into an accident.”

Nuria Abdi.
Nuria Abdi

Nuria Abdi outside her hut in Buna, Wajir County. Image credit: Mark Wahwai.

“he cash assistance was very timely. It came when we needed it the most. We had nowhere to turn to and we thank God for ALDEF, Oxfam, and others who have supported us.”