In Turkana, Kenya, there has been a long history of young men raiding their neighbors’ cattle. The raiders, called warriors, have been known to return from raids with thousands of cattle which they used for marriage dowries and ceremonies. Raids ended in the loss of cattle and sadly, often in the loss of human lives. In response, raided communities sought revenge and to recapture their stolen cattle, which only furthered the violence. 

For over a century, the culture of Turkana and neighboring communities has revolved around livestock keeping and cattle raiding. But recently, through collaborative efforts by the Kenyan government and humanitarian organizations, this tradition of theft and violence has been less prevalent as communities started initiatives to achieve peace and security. These initiatives have included implementing livelihoods projects, conducting disarmament exercises, and more. World Renew has been part of this important effort. 

Since 2013, World Renew has been implementing several projects in the area—particularly in Katilu Ward. These projects have included livelihood training, peacekeeping programs, and drought relief. Through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) people with similar livelihood interests are brought together to learn new skills and to save for the future. In Katilu Ward, the Nachacha Young Farmers Village Savings and Loan (VSL) group has over 50 reformed warriors. Established over seven years ago, the group took part in opportunities to learn new farming skills, helping them to earn a living from farming, instead of cattle raiding. The members farm over 50 acres of cultivated land on what was once a former cattle-raiding battleground. Through World Renew, they have been trained and supported to set up farming plots, with each farmer owning an average of one acre. 

These farming warriors have grown a variety of grains and vegetables to sell at a nearby market, including maize, millet, kales, spinach, green gram, cow peas, and more. From the income they have earned, many of them have been able to help their children achieve their academic dreams; over ten of the members have children in high school, while three have children at university.

Unfortunately, in the last year the region has struggled with the effects of two failed rainy seasons. With funding from our partner, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, World Renew provided 1,200 households—including the members of the Nachacha Young Farmer group—with a monthly food kit containing 50 kilograms of maize flour, 10 kgs of beans, 3 liters of cooking oil, and 0.5 kgs salt during the height of the drought in 2022. 

Benson Nachodo, the Nachacha VSL group chairperson, shares, “We are not going back to fighting with our neighbors! We have decided to use this land to make our living. We have manpower, and all we need is skills and someone to show us the way out of poverty. We are glad to work with World Renew who have shown us the way and walked with us in every step. They have taught us farming skills, VSLAs, and the need to come together to save, donated various seeds to us, and now because of the drought, are giving us relief food.”