Women in Baringo transform lives through farming and financial empowerment

Cattle rustling has long been a challenge among the communities living in the arid and semi-arid regions.

However, in Baringo County, a transformation is unfolding as three groups of women redefine their futures through agroecology, financial inclusion and education.

In Tangulbei, the community once depended heavily on cattle rearing. But with the constant threat of banditry and the challenges of relying solely on livestock, some women decided to try something new: agroecology.

Thanks to support including seeds, information and irrigation systems, this climate-friendly farming approach has taken root. Their farms now grow sorghum, millet, green grams, beans, maize, watermelon and pawpaw.

The diverse range of crops ensures food security and provides nourishment. The women share the proceeds, which help feed families and protect the environment.

Lilian Jaki, one of the beneficiaries of the initiative under Oasis Women’s Group, says the constant bandit attacks had led to her embracing agriculture.

 “In this location, my people did not practise agriculture and only embraced cattle and goat keeping. Due to harsh climate conditions and banditry, we often lost our livestock,” she says.

“A local non-governmental organisation trained our women’s group on growing crops that would endure harsh climate conditions. We are now practising agriculture after being supported with seeds, slam dams and information,” she adds.

Her story is echoed by Elizabeth Cheretei, another beneficiary who notes, “The growing of vegetables, fruits and grains has helped us supplement what we get from livestock. We get food for basic consumption, boosting nutrition for kids, and the surplus is sold for the group's income. Our group also engages in savings through our Village Loans and Savings Group.”

Another group, Checkpoint VSLA, started in 2020 with 21 women who have harnessed the power of collective savings and lending.

In 2023, the group shared dividends amounting to Sh641,000, showcasing their commitment and resourcefulness. The Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) operates on a simple principle: members contribute to a communal savings fund, which is then available for lending within the group.

 The financial support helps women invest in income-generating projects, start businesses, or cover emergency expenses, fostering economic independence.

 “Information on financial empowerment enabled us to start our VSLA, lifting us out of poverty. Poverty has been our greatest challenge, but with the VSLA, we have been able to uplift one another,” says Mary Kiwanja, a staff member at Checkpoint VSLA.

“I lost my husband four years ago, and raising my kids became a challenge. Since joining the initiative, I have been able to get information and do menial jobs to earn income, which I save a little and borrow, proceeding to buy goats that I have sold and increased my shares in the VSLA. Through this, I am educating my children. The welfare within the VSLA also supports those who face emergencies,” shares Susan Losike.

Beyond agriculture and finance, another group of women is leading a campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The group educate the community about the harmful effects of FGM and advocates for girls' rights to education. Their efforts have gained significant traction, attracting allies such as cultural leaders, religious leaders, and men and boys who are challenging long-held beliefs.

By fostering dialogue and changing perspectives, this group is creating a safer environment for girls, ensuring they have the opportunity to stay in school.

“In my community, FGM means child marriages, teen pregnancies and school dropouts. Child marriages lead to poor health for young mothers and perpetuate poverty as they cannot support their families and only depend on their struggling husbands. ActionAid has educated us on the evils of FGM, and with allies in the community, the fight against it is on. Despite backlash from those who haven’t agreed to end the vice, we are slowly winning them over,” says Catherine Mata, Women and Girls Rights Champion in Kitailem.

“As young men, we were made to believe that you could only marry girls who are circumcised. But after learning the evils of FGM, I have become a champion of girls' rights and speak to my fellow young men and our elders to support the fight to end FGM. Society is changing, and our young men are open to the idea of marrying girls who haven’t gone through FGM. This has lessened the pressure among girls, thinking that they can only get married in the future if they have undergone FGM. I believe we will one day win this war,” he says.

 Cheptengor Nambili, an FGM Survivor shares, “I underwent FGM, and as a cultural norm, I had no option but to let my first girl also undergo it. But when I got into contact with people teaching us about the dangers of FGM, I got the courage to spare my other daughters from it. As a mother, I experienced challenges with FGM. I am now more informed and will always protect my girls.”

“My husband has also supported my decision and allowed them to go to school and not get married. I believe that they will still get married despite not having undergone FGM because society has changed, and I see young men advocating for an end to FGM,” she adds.

 The initiatives by the three groups of women showcase resilience. Through agroecology, financial inclusion and education, the women of Tangulbei are transforming their lives and creating positive change in their community.

With continued support and collaboration, their journey towards empowerment and sustainability shines as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.

“Tiaty, Baringo County has long been associated with insecurity due to banditry, FGM and climate shocks exacerbated by climate change. However, through our targeted interventions supported by various stakeholders, we are changing this narrative. We are committed to empowering communities with essential information, skills and financial support, enabling them to transform their lives and foster sustainable development,” says Kitasi Wanga, Programme Manager, Resilient Livelihoods and Emergencies, ActionAid Kenya.

The Gender Responsive Alternatives to Climate Change (GRACC) Project is supported by the Australian Government through ActionAid Australia and implemented in Kenya by ActionAid Kenya.