In the Horn of Africa, drought is no longer an occasional disaster — it has become a relentless, recurring condition shaped by the growing force of climate change. Once-predictable rainy seasons now arrive late, end early, or fail altogether. And when the rains do come, they often fall in violent downpours that erode fragile soils instead of nourishing them. At the same time, intensive farming practices have stripped the land of nutrients, leaving the earth less able to sustain crops or retain water.
The consequences are devastating. Communities are locked in a struggle for shrinking resources — water, fertile land, and pasture. Families are forced to move in search of food and safety, often crossing borders to escape hunger and violence. Towns like Moyale and Soyama, sitting at critical crossroads, bear the heaviest burden of displacement and scarcity. Yet even in the face of crisis, hope takes root.
Across these communities, home gardens have become small sanctuaries of life and resilience. They provide families with essential food, income, and a renewed sense of stability. For people who have been uprooted, a garden offers more than sustenance — it restores dignity and purpose.
Our work focuses on empowering women’s groups, who already collaborate to pool resources and knowledge. Together, they invest in quality seeds, sustainable water systems, training, and shared equipment. A single water storage tank can extend the growing season for as many as 50 families, ensuring food production continues long after the rains stop.
The impact ripples outward. Vegetables grown in these gardens are sold in local markets, bringing fresh produce to the community and providing women with income that strengthens households and boosts local economies. As women take the lead in managing these initiatives, they gain skills, confidence, and influence — becoming both providers and community leaders.
Climate change is not viewed here as a passing emergency, but as a daily reality that requires long-term solutions. Across villages and cities, people are calling for new strategies that build resilience, reduce dependence on foreign aid, and foster strong, locally led networks.
Vegetable gardens may seem small in scale, but they represent a powerful model for adaptation — a source of life, nutrition, and empowerment that endures through uncertainty. In every seed planted, there is a declaration of hope: that even amid drought and displacement, life can grow, communities can thrive, and women can lead the way toward a more resilient future.
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