Tales of death, hunger as drought forces herders to migrate

So bad is the situation that pastoralists from as far as Mandera and Wajir are covering hundreds of kilometres to Tana River county in search of the precious commodities for the animals.

Worse is the fact that they are all traveling with their young families, including children who should be in school.

Interviews with some of the pastoralists who are now camping at Hambares in Sala ward in Bura, Tana River county, brought out a desperate situation that has already gotten out of hand.

Farida Hassan,75, a resident of Mandera, said the drought-induced migration left them without livelihoods. The village located in Sala ward welcomed them and helped them make makeshift homes.

“Most of our livestock died on the way and we thus have no source of food or income. We are requesting the county and national government to come and help us as even our children cannot attend school hungry,” she said.

“As we suffering this much, where is the government of the day? Where are the leaders that we elected and put into office to help us in times of need like this? We feel like we have been left on our own. It is very unfortunate,” she added.

Farida appreciated the Hamaresa villagers for their hospitality and welcoming them despite them also experiencing similar issues. She also said the children had not attended school since the drought started.

Mohamed Mude another migrant blamed the harsh climate for the lack of pasture and water that subsequently caused starvation, migration and the death of their livestock.

“14km is the distance from Tana River to this village and yet it is the closest source of water and you can therefore be able to tell that the scarcity of water is the major issue here and the surrounding areas. We are appealing for help.” 

Hassan Ali, a pastoralist from Mandera said he had to trek for more than 700km from lafey subcounty in search of water and pasture for his 80 cows and 50 goats, half of which he said died on the way.

"As you can see all these are carcasses of our livestock, we walked for long distances day and night in search of water and pasture for our animals, only for them to come and die here. As pastoralists, the most painful thing is to see your animals die while there is little you can do to save the situation."

On Monday, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi urged the National government and humanitarian partners to support his administration in providing food for the insecure drought-stricken people of the county.

Abdullahi who was speaking outside his office during the launch of relief food distribution by the county government, said the emergency food availed so far by government and partners was not sufficient to mitigate the effects of drought.

Abdullahi who is the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors said due to the severity of the situation, many families still require support.

“That is why we appeal for more help because the current situation dictates so. People are suffering especially in the rural areas as they continue to lose their only source of livelihood. We call upon the National government, NGOs and other development partners to support our effort so that we can reach more people,” he said.

Wajir just like the neighbouring counties in Northeastern, did not receive adequate rainfall during the last October – November short rain season.

The ongoing drought situation has continued to severely impact the food security and livelihoods of vulnerable households.

As a result, most of the earth pans did not collect any water and most of the grazing land did not grow any pasture for the livestock.

The NDMA in its January 2023 bulletin paints a worrying picture in 23 counties that have been classified as either in the alarm or alert phase of the drought.

The report further states that all surface water sources have dried up, increasing pressure on the permanent sources such as boreholes.

The overall food security situation in the county remains critical.

More than 400,000 people in the county are facing acute food shortage with the number projected to rise to above 420,000 by March.

Counties on the alarm phase include Kilifi, Mandera Marsabit Samburu,Turkana, Wajir, Isiolo, Kitui, Kajiado, while 13 counties; Garissa, Lamu, Narok, Tana River, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, Laikipia, Meru, Taita Taveta, West Pokot, Nyeri and Kwale are in the alert drought phase.

 

 

 

 

-Edited by SKanyara