ADS North Rift has officially launched a new initiative, the Empowering Resilience through Youth and Women-Led Action for Sustainable Drought Preparedness (ERYWAS) Project, with an inception meeting held at Riamakori Hotel, Turkana County. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to set the pace for a project that places youth and women at the heart of climate adaptation.
The ERYWAS Project is a milestone for ADS North Rift as it is exclusively being implemented in Turkana County, one of the regions most affected by recurrent drought and climate shocks in Kenya. Its main goal is to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities by equipping them with skills, resources, and systems to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to drought-related challenges.
At its core, ERYWAS focuses on:
Strengthening disaster early warning systems to ensure communities are better informed and prepared for climate-related risks.
Promoting sustainable natural resource management that safeguards the environment while supporting livelihoods.
Diversifying income sources through agro-ecological practices and sustainable livelihoods to reduce overreliance on fragile resources.
Empowering women and youth-led households as key drivers of resilience, advocacy, and positive change.
By bringing these elements together, the project envisions a future where Turkana’s communities can face drought not with fear, but with readiness and capacity.
Speaking at the inception meeting, stakeholders expressed optimism that ERYWAS will become a game-changer in the fight against climate change impacts. With youth and women leading the charge, the project seeks to shift resilience-building from being a response to a proactive, community-driven movement.
As ADS North Rift embarks on this journey, ERYWAS symbolizes hope, strength, and transformation for Turkana. It is a reminder that with the right skills, tools, and unity, vulnerable communities can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and sustainability.
