In Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties, women are rewriting the story of resilience. Through the Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation (FOSECCA) project, they are learning new skills, building businesses, and adopting sustainable farming practices. Their stories show that when women are empowered, entire communities begin to thrive.
Take Stella, for example. For years, she only sold millet, locally known as wimbi in her small kiosk. It was barely enough to keep her business afloat. But with training and startup support from FOSECCA, she gained the courage and resources to diversify. Today, she has expanded her stock to include maize and other goods. What was once a struggling stall has grown into a promising business, helping her earn more income and provide better for her family.
Then there is Lokai Erupe from Lopur, whose story is as inspiring as it is colorful. Lokai is a bead maker, a skill deeply rooted in Turkana culture. Through training in business and entrepreneurship offered by ADS North Rift under FOSECCA, she has sharpened her business skills and grown her craft into a source of steady income. Her beaded pieces now carry not just beauty, but also the story of empowerment and independence. Lokai is proving that traditional skills, when supported with knowledge and opportunity, can transform into sustainable businesses.
In Rokocho, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Zena embraced agroecological farming practices introduced by FOSECCA. She turned her land into a model of crop diversification, growing different crops that not only feed her family but also provide surplus to sell. By working with nature instead of against it, she has found a way to adapt to harsh climate conditions while securing food and income. Zena’s farm now stands as a picture of resilience and sustainability.
These stories, though unique, share a common thread: women using the tools and training from FOSECCA to create better futures. They are not only supporting their households but also becoming role models in their communities. Each step they take builds a ripple effect, strengthening families, inspiring other women, and slowly transforming Turkana into a place of opportunity.
The Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation (FOSECCA) project has become more than just training sessions or startup support. It is a lifeline of hope, resilience, and empowerment. For women like Stella, Lokai, Zena, and many others, FOSECCA is proof that with the right support, dreams can grow even in the driest places.
