Samburu Herders Affected by Climate Crisis Turn to Farming

Samburu County in Northern Kenya is characterised by dry, hot conditions and receives little rainfall.

Over the years, the area has been suffering from insufficient rain and frequent droughts.

Residents of Samburu report that these droughts are becoming increasingly severe, affecting herders the most.

Traditionally, herders migrate with their animals in search of pasture and water.

However, in recent years, many of their animals have perished due to the lack of rain, which has hindered the growth of grasses and other vegetation for their livestock.

Consequently, many families have been left without animals and have been forced to turn to farming.

In Samburu culture, herding and owning large numbers of cattle are signs of power and respect, while farmers often do not receive the same esteem as herders.

Nkilisen Lengupae, formerly a herder with a wealthy reputation in his village of Lporos—owning about 100 cattle and 50 goats—has experienced this shift firsthand.

Drought wiped out most of his livestock, prompting him to take up farming.

Last season, he and his family cultivated about three acres of their ancestral land and planted maize.

They are now preparing for another planting season, hoping to grow beans and maize.

Initially, when Lengupae started farming, some locals criticised him for abandoning herding.

However, he is not alone; a number of other herders in Samburu have begun growing crops with assistance from the County Government of Samburu.

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries is providing training to these new farmers, teaching them how to prepare the land, plant seeds, and implement effective watering methods.

Lengupae, who now helps train other herders on behalf of the county government, states, “More herders are turning to farming after witnessing our successes over the past two years.”

Recently, Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit observed the distribution of 131 tonnes of certified maize and bean seeds to herders-turned-farmers.

The seeds, sourced from the Kenya Seed Company, will be given to over 5,000 households that have already prepared their land for planting.

“The initiative aims to make Samburu County food sufficient and reduce reliance on relief food. My administration has implemented strategies to combat hunger and ensure food security,” Governor Lelelit said.

He also mentioned that providing seedlings and purchasing camels are key initiatives aimed at addressing the climate crisis.

He added that last season, the region enjoyed a bumper harvest, and they plan to continue this initiative until they no longer need to import food from other counties.

Moses Leluuta, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Agriculture, remarked that the maize and bean seedlings, valued at Sh40 million, have the potential to transform farming in the county.

 “We have very fertile land that, if utilised effectively, will enable our people to achieve food sufficiency. Last year, we had enough harvests to sustain many families,” he noted.

Leluuta predicted that this season's harvest will be even larger as more herders have embraced farming.

Beatrice Tetei, one of the new farmers, expressed her readiness to begin this initiative after undergoing training.

“I learnt how to prepare my land, and I now have seeds that I will plant using the skills I acquired from the county officials,” she said.

Tetei was inspired to farm after witnessing her neighbour’s successful harvest last season.

Pamela Nasieku, another beneficiary, stated that the provision of tractors for the free tilling of her land has motivated her to pursue farming.

“The tractors help us, and now that we receive seeds on time, we expect a plentiful harvest this year,” she added.