01 · Climate
Our work · 02
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
Helping women farmers in a semi-arid county grow, keep and eat more of their own food — season after season.
Context
Why this matters in Laikipia
Much of Laikipia is semi-arid. Rains are often unreliable, and dry spells can wipe out a season’s crops. Many families depend on small-scale farming and livestock for both food and income.
Women play a central role in growing, preparing and managing household food. When harvests fail, they are often the ones who must stretch what is left.
Dryland farming practices — choosing hardier crops, keeping water and soil in the ground, and making better use of each harvest — can make households more resilient to a changing climate.
Activities
What the work involves
The kinds of activities this area of work focuses on. Details vary by community and season.
Dryland and climate-smart farming
Sharing practices suited to dry conditions, such as drought-tolerant crops and simple soil and water conservation.
Household gardens for nutrition
Encouraging small-scale gardens that add variety and nutrition to family meals.
Peer learning among women farmers
Women’s groups sharing what works on their own farms, season by season.
Linking to agricultural knowledge
Helping women connect with information and services available from local agricultural institutions.
Audience
Who it is for
- Women farmers and women’s farming groups
- Households facing food insecurity in dry seasons
- Agricultural, nutrition and research partners
Implementation
How we work
Build on local knowledge
Women already know their land; we add to that knowledge, not replace it.
Low-cost first
We prioritise practices that do not depend on expensive inputs.
Learn by doing
Demonstrations and peer visits are more convincing than talks.
Plan for dry seasons
We focus on what helps households cope when rains fail.
Evidence & outcomes
What we measure
Verified results pending
Results will be published once verified
We do not publish figures until they have been checked. As evidence becomes available, this section will report on:
- Women and groups taking part in farming activities
- Adoption of dryland practices on participants’ own farms
- Reported changes in harvests or household food availability
- Participants’ own assessment of what worked and what did not
Gallery
From the field
Approved photo
Approved photo
Approved photo
Photographs of this work will appear here once approved by LAWODA and the people pictured. For recent activity photos, visit our Facebook page (opens in a new tab).
FAQs
Common questions
What is dryland agriculture?
Dryland agriculture means farming in areas with low or unreliable rainfall. It relies on practices that make the most of limited water — such as choosing suitable crops, protecting soil and capturing rainwater where possible.
Can my women’s group take part?
Please contact us to tell us about your group and where you farm. We will let you know about relevant activities. We cannot promise activities in every location at every time.
Do you work with agricultural experts or institutions?
We aim to connect women farmers with available expertise. Any formal partnerships will be listed on our Partners page once confirmed.
How can a partner support this work?
Partners can support with technical knowledge, materials, research or funding. Use the Partner With Us form to start a conversation.
Help grow food security in Laikipia
Partner with us to support women farmers adapting to a changing climate.
