A Ray of Hope at the Neediest Time

Ibrahim Salat Ali, 68 is a father of four, living with disability. and a resident of Burder village in Wajir County and this is his story.

Like the rest of the villagers, Ibrahim Salat is adversely affected by the prolonged drought, that does not discriminate on one’s condition. Ibrahim is a nomad and depends on the support of his family members for some of his day to day activities. His herd of 20 goats and 15 cows have been his main and only source of livelihood that he supports his four children.   

The dire impacts of the ongoing drought have been merciless leaving devastating damage and loss among the communities in the Kenyan ASAL region. Ibrahim lost all his animals due to the lack of water and pasture. He survived at the mercy of his neighbours and well-wishers as he is unable to actively participate in manual labour. His only source of comfort was prayers to his creator.

The ECHO-funded Multipurpose cash assistance that targets vulnerable members of the community, has restored his hope and put smile in his face. The community members play a vital role in the selection and verification of the most vulnerable members to receive the cash transfers.  Ibrahim was selected by the community members and received six cycles of the cash transfers.

The multi-purpose cash transfer gives the beneficiaries the agency and dignity to determine the priorities to spend the cash on. Ibrahim is relieved that despite the drought he is able to provide for his family and take care of his wife’s medical expenses.

“The cash has relieved us from the dilemma of where to get a daily meal, and allowed me to access credit facilities, which was not possible before. This has increased my credit rating. Access to credit at local shops was a problem before the cash, but now I am ok, but I don’t know how things will be as it has ended.”

The emergency multipurpose cash assistance has improved the lives of people like Ibrahim who were desperate for assistance.  During our interview Ibrahim narrates how he uses the cash assistance.

“I have used the cash to purchase food for family, buying water and repairing my wheel chair and paid my previous debts” This is the case for most of the beneficiaries.