Turkana County is located in arid and semi-arid lands that have been hard hit by recurrent drought, human conflict, and a legacy of social and economic marginalization. It is the largest county in Kenya, and the poorest – with a poverty rate of 94%.
Napeo Pauline is one of 17 members of the Turkana Widows Advancement Program, a self-help group of widows and widowers, affected by HIV/AIDS. The widows sell homemade goods such as soap, baskets and jewelry. They have formed a village savings and loan group where they save their money and distribute loans.
In addition, to promoting the importance of multiple streams of income and savings, USAID and the Government of Kenya has trained the group how to farm nutritious crops such as butternut squash and kale. This, in addition to supplements and other nutrition services that the families receive through USAID-supported World Food Programme and UNICEF programs has greatly improved their children’s nutrition.
The group has helped the women move from relying on handouts from the community, to relying on themselves for support.
USAID resilience activities begin with humanitarian assistance and helping those in dire need access food and nutrition services. While food aid can save lives by taking care of emergency needs that arise in the wake of drought, floods or other catastrophic event, it is not a permanent solution.
USAID is also helping Kenyans lay the foundation for thriving, self-sustaining communities; by putting the tools, knowledge and skills you need, in the hands of affected communities. The World Food Programme’s Food for Assets program, funded by USAID, provides food in exchange for the communities’ efforts to build productive assets in their communities, such as farms, water pans or irrigation systems. These assets, identified by the community, help pave the way for a more prosperous future, not just for today, but for many generations to come.

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