In Morupusi, Kenya, practical knowledge is being shared neighbour to neighbour, helping families endure dry seasons and build climate resilience together.

Mary has been trained by the Anglican Church in Mt Kenya West, on how to collect water and manage droughts. And so, Mary has gone home and trained women and men in her own community. She can even see children becoming part of the change, as they learn what their parents have understood.

Collecting water in tanks and preserving acacia seeds as fodder for dry seasons has given the community water to grow food and the ability to keep their livestock close even in dry times. It’s also reduced the risk of wild animal encounters. Previously, villagers had to walk to a far away river to collect water, often meeting elephants along the way.

The training is building on a group of community members’ existing work setting up a shared kitchen garden in 2020. How encouraging.

Mary’s story reflects the approach we champion with our partners: build on existing strengths, share simple and proven practices, and let local leadership multiply the impact. 

Water tanks close to home, stored acacia-seed fodder, and a thriving shared garden add up to safer routines, improved food and water sources, and skills that children see and learn.

Initiatives mentioned in this article are part of the Imarisha Maisha program, which receives funding from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).