05/02/26

When we visit, Felistar’s home is bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. A river runs through the valley below her yard. It was always the main water source for her remote community. 

Three years ago, the river ran dry. 

In 2023, a drought took water away from Felistar and others in her community. She and other women spent hours each day, trying to bring up even a little water from the dry riverbed. 

You will read more about that part of Felistar’s story in Called to Care. 

During this time, finding enough water became increasingly difficult for families and their livestock.  

Anglican Overseas Aid’s food program kept Felistar and her family alive during this drought in 2023, along with countless other people. 

Since then, Felistar has taken steps to protect herself against future droughts, with the support and training of AOA's partner, the Anglican Church in Mt Kenya West. 

Felistar has installed a water tank on her property. She is keeping chickens: a low-water food and income source.

She planted a kitchen garden. But an elephant came through and pulled it out. She could plant again, but elephants visit frequently now.

Elephants are coming into human communities more and more often, as drier landscape means they also have to search further to find food and water.

Felistar explains that she is doing all she can to protect herself and her children from the consequences of climate change. For her, this is more dry periods and unpredictable rainfall, threatening their ability to survive.

'I am happy with what I am doing to prepare against drought. It means I can take care of my children and provide for them.'

But Felistar cannot do all that is needed to protect her children from climate change.

Alone we cannot solve this challenge. Together, we are a powerful force for change.

Initiatives mentioned in this article receive funding from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).