Wajir women embrace climate farming, defying pastoralist ways

In the arid lands of Wajir County, 32-year-old Meimuna Said strides confidently through her lush green farm, accompanied by her faithful dog, Scooby.

Her farm, a beacon of hope amid the harsh climate, is a testament to her resilience and determination.

While many women in northern Kenya adhere to traditional pastoralist lifestyles, Meimuna is charting a new path, one that not only sustains her family but also inspires her community.

Traditionally, women in this region have had limited opportunities to carve out independent careers. Most are married off at a young age and often lack a voice in decision-making processes.

However, Meimuna represents a growing group of women rewriting this narrative by embracing farming as a viable livelihood. Her journey highlights the shift from reliance on livestock to adopting climate-smart agricultural practices that can thrive in Wajir’s challenging environment.

This transformation hasn’t been easy. Meimuna’s venture into farming initially met resistance from her community, where pastoralism has been the cornerstone of life for generations.

Yet, the worsening effects of climate change—prolonged droughts, dwindling pasture, and water shortages—have forced many to reconsider traditional practices. Farming offered Meimuna a chance to mitigate these challenges while securing a sustainable source of income.

Her success is not an isolated story. Meimuna and a group of young farmers from Wajir have received invaluable support from the World Food Programme (WFP).

Through targeted training programmes, WFP has equipped them with knowledge on climate-resilient farming techniques. These initiatives include the provision of resources like beehives for honey production, shade nets to protect crops, drip irrigation systems, and improved access to water sources.

Meimuna’s farm is a diverse operation. She grows drought-resistant crops, vegetables like tomatoes and watermelons, and poultry, and uses her land innovatively to maximise productivity.

Her hard work has paid off, as her farm not only feeds her family but also generates income from surplus produce sold in local markets.

“The support from WFP has been life-changing for me and many other women in Wajir. Through their training and resources, I’ve learned how to farm and sustain my family in a region where we once thought only livestock could thrive. I’m deeply grateful for the beehives, shade nets, and knowledge that have made this journey possible,” says Meimuna.

The impact of Meimuna’s journey extends beyond her household. Her story has inspired other women in her village to consider farming as a sustainable livelihood.

By sharing her experiences and skills learned from WFP training, Meimuna has become a mentor to many. Her efforts are breaking stereotypes and empowering women to see themselves as leaders and breadwinners.

Lynete Watiti, head of the WFP field office in Wajir, says that supporting women and youth like Meimuna, who are embracing innovative farming techniques to transform their lives and communities, is strategic and will accelerate the uptake of agribusiness in arid areas.

“At WFP, we believe empowering women and youth through climate-smart agriculture as an alternative livelihood is key to building resilience and ensuring food and nutrition security in arid regions like Wajir,” says Watiti.

The shift to farming also brings environmental benefits. With fewer families relying solely on livestock, overgrazing and land degradation are gradually reducing.

Climate-smart farming practices introduced by WFP are helping the community conserve resources while adapting to the changing climate.

Meimuna envisions a future where women in Wajir County are no longer bound by traditional roles. She dreams of a community where women embrace education, innovation and entrepreneurship.