At the heart of Turkana County, the sun blazes relentlessly, and temperatures fall between 38 to 41 degrees Celsius. The rivers almost completely dry, leaving behind barren riverbeds as a reminder of the region’s harsh climatic conditions. The ground, parched and cracked from the unrelenting heat, is dotted with withering shrubs, their frail branches reaching out in a silent plea for relief.
In such an unforgiving environment, agriculture seems an impossible endeavor. The thought of thriving crops and bountiful harvests appears more like a distant dream than a tangible reality. With the world grappling with the effects of climate change, the region experiences severe effects.
Yet, amid this desolate landscape, a remarkable sight emerges—a lush green oasis, defying nature’s odds. This is the story of Nakuangat Farm.
Rev. John Namaa, the chairperson of Nakuangat Farm, beams with excitement as he takes the DanChurchAid (DCA) team around the flourishing farm. Even in the midst of a harsh dry season, crops thrive here, defying all odds.
Turkana County experiences hot and dry weather most parts of the year
Nakuangat Farm: A Beacon of Hope
Nestled in the middle of an arid north, Nakuangat Farm stands as a beacon of hope, powered by sustainable agricultural practices. From the entrance, two shade houses, a water tank, and small gardens bursting with greenery immediately capture the eye—a striking contrast to the barren land outside. Rows of vegetables, including amaranthus, spinach, sukuma wiki (Kales) flourish under protective shade houses, while okra and pawpaw trees stand tall.
This transformation has been made possible through the intervention of DCA, supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation-funded Agroecology project. The initiative, Easing and De-risking Transition to Climate Resilient Food Production for Enhanced Self-Reliance in Humanitarian Contexts, champions agroecology-based food production in Turkana, empowering communities to combat climate challenges.
The Intervention
At Nakuangat Farm, 60 participants are actively engaged in the project, with 30 managing each of the two shade houses. Outside the shade houses, each participant has a small piece of land for personal farming. This initiative takes a holistic approach to resilience-building, addressing food security threats posed by climate change. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, introducing climate-smart technologies, and fostering inclusive market systems, the project equips vulnerable communities to adapt and thrive.
DCA has provided essential resources, including greenhouses, seedlings, and training on sustainable farming. As a result, farmers now cultivate watermelons, okra, pawpaws, pumpkins, and a variety of vegetables, ensuring a more diverse and nutritious diet.
From One Meal a Day to Three
The impact of DCA’s support is evident in the daily lives of the farmers. Rev. Namaa recalls the dire situation before the intervention: “Before DCA’s support, we could barely afford two meals a day. Only children would sometimes get an extra meal, while adults had to make do with one. But now, we can have three meals daily—and that is great news!”
Malnutrition remains a significant concern in Turkana, but the introduction of nutrient-rich crops promises continous improvement in the health of children, enabling them to grow stronger and healthier.
Sorghum growing in Nakuangat Farm
Financial Resilience and Economic Growth
Beyond food security, the initiative has strengthened financial resilience. With DCA’s guidance, farmers have established Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), allowing them to save and access financial resources. Participants sell their produce to both the host community and refugee populations, reinvesting their earnings into the farm and their households.
“I am able to save 200 shillings per week and at least 600 shillings per month,” says Rev. Namaa. The VSLAs also offer small loans to members when needed, providing a financial safety net for the community.
A Future of Resilience and Growth
The Nakuangat Farm initiative is not just about agriculture—it is about transforming lives. By integrating sustainable agricultural methods, such as water conservation and organic farming, the project ensures that even in the face of climate change, communities can secure their future and turn their environment into one of abundance and opportunity.
The positive ripple effects extend beyond food security. “Children are able to stay in school because school fees and other school needs are now covered,” Rev. Namaa explains.
As climate challenges intensify globally, Turkana stands on the frontline of vulnerability. However, with innovative solutions like the Agroecology project, the narrative is shifting—from one of survival to one of resilience and growth.
In this dry and unforgiving land, hope flourishes, proving that with the right interventions, even the harshest conditions can yield prosperity.
About the project
Full Name: Easing and De-risking Transition to Climate Resilient Food Production for Enhanced Self-Reliance in Humanitarian Contexts
Period: 15/01/2024-14/01/2026
Funding: 5,000,000 DKK
Donor: Novo Nordisk Foundation
