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“By supporting women, we support the entire society.”

Priscilla Senteina

Resilience Program Assistant Officer | Samburu County, Kenya

Cultivating Agency in Samburu Soil

I’ve seen firsthand how investing in our women is investing in the backbone of our society.

We’ve started with the land—giving women their plots to manage. From there, we’ve grown indigenous aloe and managed beehives. Each aloe planted is more than a plant; it’s a step toward self-reliance. Sales from produce and honey fund children’s education, ensuring a cycle of learning that benefits the whole community.

Our projects in the Opiroi Community focus on food security, regenerative land management, conservation, and improving livelihoods in pastoral communities. We support over 300 people across six villages and promote positive societal change.

Women's Vital Role in the Community

Women contribute significantly to the community. They do domestic work, collaborate with men, manage natural resources, feed the children, care for the livestock, and are ready to help whenever needed. By supporting women, we support the entire society.

From Soil to Sustainable Livelihoods

Indigenous aloe is well suited for dry land, helps control soil erosion, and has medicinal properties. We train the women in aloe management, harvesting, and seed propagation. Beekeeping is also promoted, as the connection between bees and aloe increases yield.

Our programs focus on building capacity so that the women can be self-sustaining. We train them on organic farming, integrated pest management, and using locally available resources. The goal is to ensure that the community can continue these practices even after the project ends, providing sustainable income while conserving the environment.

Grass Reseeding and Rangeland Management

The community depends on livestock as pastoralists. We integrate grass reseeding into our projects to improve rangeland management. The women have seen the difference it makes, and they replicate it on their farms. This initiative helps them sustain their livelihood and take care of the land.

Securing Land Rights and Inclusivity

IMPACT supported the Opiroi Community in securing their land through the registration process. Women are now included in land ownership and management with the Community Land Act. They understand their rights and can participate in decision making, which was impossible before.

“Each aloe planted is more than a plant; it's a step toward self-reliance. Sales from produce and honey fund children's education, ensuring a cycle of learning that benefits the whole community.”

“Women are now included in land ownership and management with the Community Land Act. They understand their rights and can participate in decision making, which was impossible before.”