By Christopher Ekuwom | Project Leader
Due to prolonged droughts, recurrent conflicts, and limited financial opportunities, many women in Turkana who previously depended on pastoralism have resorted to charcoal burning and illicit brewing as alternative sources of income. These activities have contributed to environmental degradation, particularly in riverine and other fragile ecosystems, while illicit brewing has led to increased cases of alcohol abuse, deaths, and heightened vulnerability to HIV infections. The project was designed to address these challenges by providing sustainable livelihood alternatives to affected women. However, the planned activities have not been implemented because adequate funding has not been secured.
The project aimed to support 15 women previously engaged in charcoal burning and illicit brewing by establishing a poultry farming enterprise. Planned interventions included the procurement of 2,000 layer chickens, construction of a poultry shelter, installation of water storage facilities, provision of feeders and drinkers, and supply of chicken feed for six months. Capacity-building training was also included to equip beneficiaries with skills in poultry management and business sustainability. Unfortunately, the lack of financial resources has prevented the implementation of these activities.
As a result of the funding gap, the targeted women continue to depend on harmful livelihood practices to meet their basic household needs. Environmental degradation from charcoal burning persists, threatening the natural resources communities rely on for survival. At the same time, illicit brewing continues to pose serious social and public health concerns, affecting women, youth, and men across the region. Without immediate investment, the opportunity to create positive and lasting change in the beneficiaries' livelihoods remains unrealized.
To address this challenge, there is a need to mobilize adequate funding and strengthen partnerships with donors, development agencies, and private sector actors. Securing the required resources will enable the project to establish the poultry enterprise, improve household incomes, and reduce dependence on destructive and risky livelihood activities. The proposed interventions will also contribute to environmental conservation, food security, and women's economic empowerment. With the necessary support, the project has the potential to create sustainable livelihoods and improve the well-being of vulnerable women and their families in Turkana.
By Christopher Ekuwom | Project Leader
By Christopher Ekuwom | Project Leader
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