Transforming women's livelihoods in Marsabit through agribusiness

Halima Abdo, a -34 year-old teacher, is a member of the Manyata Konso Women Group in Marsabit County, Kenya. This group, consisting of local women, engages in various activities such as merry-gorounds, lending loans, and maintaining a social fund. The group aims to address the socio-economic challenges faced by its members, particularly those exacerbated by climate change. Before forming the Manyata Konso Women Group, individual members faced numerous challenges. Climate change further complicated their efforts, with unpredictable weather patterns leading to crop failures and exacerbating food insecurity.

Many women had to engage in precarious activities such as selling alcohol or small-scale market trading to support their families. Recognizing the need for a collective approach to their problems, the women formed the Manyata Konso Women Group. Their goal was to create a support system that would provide financial assistance, foster economic activities, and address common challenges. The group's activities include a merry-go-round which is a rotating savings and credit association that allows members to contribute and borrow money, lending services and a social fund to support members during emergencies.

In their quest for additional support, the group approached Pastoralist Community Initiative and Development Assistance (PACIDA), an Oxfam partner organization in the region. They wrote a proposal outlining their needs and received training on financial management and table banking. This training empowered the women to better manage their resources and engage in sustainable business practices. The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) project, focusing on improving food security and community resilience, has had a significant impact on the Manyata Konso Women Group. Key areas of impact include facilitating the construction of a pond, ensuring a reliable water supply for both domestic use and irrigation and introduction of beehives to provide honey for both nutritional benefits and income generation. The women also received seeds and training on growing nutritious crops such as kale, spinach, and beans. This greatly improved household nutrition and food security. In addition, they received training on table banking and financial management that has strengthened the group's ability to save and invest wisely. The project also supported the women in developing small enterprises, enhancing their economic independence.

The training and resources provided by the NORAD project have transformed the lives of Manyata Council Women Group members. They have become more resilient to climate shocks, improved their food security, and increased their incomes. The group's success has also inspired other community members, demonstrating the power of collective action and external support. The collaboration between the Manyata Konso Women Group, Oxfam project implementing partner PACIDA, and Oxfam through the NORAD project has significantly improved the livelihoods of women in Marsabit County. The project has not only addressed immediate needs such as water and food security but also empowered women economically and socially. Salima Abdo and her fellow group members now have the skills and resources to build a sustainable future for themselves and their families.