Namakat:Turkana Thirty women in Namakat village, Township Ward, Turkana Central sub-county, have successfully turned prosopis-infested land into productive irrigated vegetable farms, thereby generating income for themselves.
According to Kenya News Agency, this transformation was made possible through a collaboration between the County Government of Turkana, Building Livelihoods and Empowering Communities (BLEC), and South North Nexus (SNN). Since 2024, these partners have facilitated the drilling of a borehole and the establishment of an irrigation system for small vegetable plots. Previously, the women had to purchase vegetables from distant places like Kitale.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus emphasized the county’s commitment to partnering with organizations focused on food security and financial inclusion to enhance livelihoods and reduce poverty. He stated that the county aims to create an environment conducive to wealth building and poverty alleviation, with plans to expand support for similar initiatives.
SNN Director Deborah Hines highlighted the benefits of integrating water access, farming, and village savings. She noted that the barren land overtaken by prosopis trees has been transformed, allowing women to cultivate spinach, cabbage, and other vegetables, which has improved the nutrition and food security of local families.
BLEC Programme Manager Steven Ngetich reiterated the ongoing challenge of food insecurity in Turkana and reaffirmed BLEC’s dedication to collaborating with the county on sustainable solutions.
During a visit to the Namakat farm, representatives observed women engaged in vegetable cultivation and participating in village savings and loaning activities. BLEC also collaborates with the Turkana Chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to provide farmers with entrepreneurial skills, market connections, and financial assistance.
The visit included Deputy County Secretary in charge of Administration Joseph Nyang’a, Chief Officer for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Janerose Tioko, and Director of Protocol Peter Lomauge.
