Drought emergency in Wajir County, Kenya - Concluded

The impact of recurring drought in Wajir County has affected the most vulnerable population, causing food insecurity and malnutrition. In recent years, Wajir County has experienced low rainfall with an increase in the dry season. The consequences have had a severe impact on people's livelihoods: agriculture and livestock, the two main sources of income for rural communities.

In June 2021, the governor of Wajir, Ahmed Ali Mukatr, called for the intervention of the government and non-governmental entities in mobilizing resources to reduce the impact of the drought, which, according to projections, would worsen in July 2021 (Drought Early Warning Bulletin, NDMA, March 2021). With the onset of the current drought crisis in Kenya's ASAL counties, CADIS Kenya in collaboration with CADIS International conducted a needs assessment between October 18 and 23, 2021, to assess the impact the current drought has had on the community. The assessment was conducted in two sub-counties of Wajir, namely Wajir East and Wajir West, for a total of 8 villages: Alimaow, Bura Hagar, Qahira, Arba Qeyramso, Elnul, Tulatula, Eldas, and Arbakheramso.

The method used for the assessment included three group discussions, 30 questionnaires administered to families, 3 in-depth interviews, 3 meetings with local leaders, and the collection of secondary data. Gaps were identified in four different areas: food, livelihoods, water and sanitation, and health.

Food: Normally, most families consume 3 meals a day. According to the survey, due to the drought, 73% of respondents consume only one meal a day, and of these, 93% have skipped meals due to lack of money to buy food. Most people have lost weight due to lack of an adequate diet and enough food. The vulnerable population, which includes children, breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, and the sick, is the most affected category of people.

Livelihoods: The main source of income for the inhabitants of Wajir County is mainly livestock, including goats, camels, and cows; others practice crop production. Many families have lost all or part of their livestock due to the drought. Farms are arid and cannot be cultivated due to lack of water and drought. The remaining livestock is so thin and weak and its price has dropped so low that it is even more difficult for the livestock market to operate. As a result, the animals cannot produce milk and women who had small businesses selling milk can no longer support themselves.

Water and sanitation: In the last 2 or 3 years, it has not rained in Wajir, leading to a dry season that has also seen groundwater continue to dry up. Water sources in Wajir include a few wells, shallow hand-dug wells, and rainwater. The existing groundwater is mostly saline and not healthy for consumption. With the onset of the drought, the amount of water available for both human and livestock consumption is too low. Most people currently use water transport and travel long distances to access water about 30 kilometers away.

Health: The lack of water is a threat to both humans and animals. Dead animals can be a serious epidemic risk. However, some locals have resorted to burning deceased animals to avoid contracting diseases. In the locations visited, there are no good waste disposal services and adequate latrines. 87% of respondents reported cases of dehydration, body weakness, and weight loss during the drought period. Many people have also contracted the flu and cold, not related to the Covid-19 virus. With the massive loss of animals and livelihoods, the mental health of the local people has suffered. In fact, 93% of respondents said the drought brought distress, 83% reported having changed sleep habits, and 80% of those who lost their livelihoods reported having panic attacks. In addition, 50% of respondents migrated to neighboring borders to look for food, especially for their animals. This is a risky decision because the areas they migrate to are experiencing internal conflicts.

The drought is also affecting family unity and other family members are left with fear and anxiety. In addition to the drought, Wajir County is still facing the effects of Covid-19 and the current vaccination campaign is not yielding much. Resources at the moment are not sufficient to fight the pandemic and respond to the disaster equally. The national government and the Wajir County government, as well as NGOs, have tried to distribute food and water in some areas of Wajir County, although the demand for basic needs is still high.

Based on the contextual analysis and needs assessment conducted by CADIS Kenya, the following interventions have been proposed as a response to the ongoing drought crisis.

The assessment was conducted in two sub-counties of Wajir, Wajir East and Wajir West, for a total of 8 villages: Alimaow, Bura Hagar, Qahira, Arba Qeyramso, Elnul, Tulatula, Eldas, and Arbakheramso. The method used for the assessment included three group discussions, 30 family questionnaires administered, 3 in-depth interviews, 3 meetings with local leaders, and the collection of secondary data.

Gaps were identified in four different areas: food, livelihoods, water and sanitation, and health.

Short- and medium-term interventions: Emergency distribution of food to selected families with children under 5 years of age and people over 60 years of age in East and West Wajir.

Objectives: 1. Reduce the incidence of the malnutrition rate by 50% through the distribution of food to families with children under 5 and over 60 years for 3 months; 2. Improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries by 50% through the distribution of livestock feed to 4,000 families; 3. Provide clean water for drinking and for livestock; 4. Provide basic health services - by starting a mobile clinic in the sub-counties of East and West Wajir.

Long-term intervention

The long-term intervention (2022-2025) aims to improve poverty reduction and build community resilience through improved food security and response to climate change in Wajir County with the following objectives:

1. Equip local farmers with knowledge and skills on climate-smart agricultural technology;

2. Improve the livelihoods of the population through greater accessibility to water supply for irrigation and for human and livestock consumption;

3. Support the participation of local farmers in undertaking agricultural activities through the provision of agricultural inputs and on-farm agricultural extension services.

Several stakeholders have come together to ensure a successful needs assessment in Wajir County. CADIS Kenya under the Ministers of the Sick (Camillians) in Kenya wishes to thank the central office of Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS) led by Father Aris Miranda. Sincere appreciation also goes to the delegation of the Camillians of Kenya under the guidance of Fr. Dominic Mwanzia for his internal support, encouragement, and also for providing a favorable environment to ensure the smooth running of activities. The Camillian Sisters of Wajir, much appreciated, also provided not only hospitality and support but also human resources to help with the assessment activity. We also thank the office of the Wajir County Commissioner, the officials of the County Commissioner's office, the Division Officer (D.O1), the Administrative Officer (A.O1), all the chiefs of East and West Wajir for their cooperation, and the entire Wajir community.