Cattle farming is the main income source for many families in Baringo County, western Kenya. But climate change has made it much harder for them to raise healthy livestock.
Droughts have become more frequent and intense, so animal pasture is increasingly scarce.
Women especially are exposed to dangers such as attacks by wild animals or cattle raiders because they have to walk much further from home to find pasture. This also robs them of the time and opportunity to take good care of their children and engage in income generating activities.
Through the power of FMNR, women like Grace are turning the tide. World Vision has collaborated with the Baringo County Government to teach them how to restore tree cover on their land and boost pasture growth.
“The work I have been doing to boost the growth of the indigenous trees in my home is finally paying off,” says Grace.
“The trees have made it possible for the grass seeds I received from World Vision to grow fast and thrive. So, I have sufficient pasture for my livestock now, in spite of the drought.”
With careful pruning and management, Grace and her neighbours have revived the indigenous trees that once covered their land. The trees have boosted soil fertility and reduced erosion and this has promoted the growth of grass and crops.
While drought takes a heavy toll on cattle herds elsewhere in the county, Grace has access to plenty of pasture and her animals are healthy.
“The milk production of my cows is still high so each morning I can prepare white tea for my children which they really love. Sometimes, they just drink plain milk because there is plenty of it. I am even selling some to generate income,” she says.
As a “lead farmer”, Grace trains other women in her community how to practise FMNR so they can also share in the benefits.
Nowadays, we no longer risk our lives by going into the dangerous forest in search of pasture,” explains Betty, one of Grace’s trainees. “We also have enough time to play with our children and engage in other activities like crop farming.”
