” Harvesting Hope from El Nino Rains: Ntepes Narapu Community’sJourney to Resilience”

In the heart of the semi-arid Ntepes – Narapu settlement in Oldonyiro ward, a tapestry of resilience and determination unfolds among a group of 34 individuals, including 18 tenacious women. The group, known as Ntepes – Narapu Community group was established in November 2020 and was among the targeted groups that received support from the Locust response project implemented by Caritas Isiolo and funded by Catholic Relief Services – CRS.

The group was supported through cash for work to reclaim their land which was invaded, and vegetation destroyed by the invasive locust swam. The group successfully reclaimed 10.5 acres of the land in readiness for farming. Upon completion of the Locust response project, Caritas Isiolo implemented a resilience project through the support from Catholic Agency For Oversees Development – CAFOD which targeted the group through capacity building training on rangeland management and establishment of pasture land for commercial production. The group was also supported with pasture seeds. The Ntepes – Narapu Community group embarked on a journey, orchestrated by their fortitude, which tested their resilience.

“The first year was a blessing,” recalls Mr. Lapen Lemeron, the vice-chair of the group. “Caritas Isiolo supported us wholehearted, and we started reaping the fruits by harvesting pasture for our own livestock consumption but after a year, we found ourselves struggling to sustain the production through the raving drought that struct the county. It was a challenge, but it made us stronger.”

Surviving the harsh terrain of the past two years, the community faced a relentless battle against drought. Grass, their lifeline, withered under the scorching sun. Attempts to diversify their crops through sunflower cultivation were thwarted as the drought persisted, rendering the entire farm barren. Mrs. Eunice Lekulal, the group’s secretary, laments the struggle, “The elephants too invaded our farms in search of food and the thorn fences we made locally couldn’t withstand them. They invaded our farms, uprooting everything in their path.”

Amidst these hardships, a glimmer of hope emerged with the arrival of the El Niño rains. “It was a blessing,” exclaims Mr. Lekaaso Lokodisho, the chairman. “We finally had enough water to regenerate the four types of grass: Munenei, Lopuiapui, Laparaan, and Lamuruai supplied by Caritas.”

 Gestures from the community members reflect their collective spirit and resilience. Mrs. Lekulal continues, “The rain saved us. We now have green fields, a sight we hadn’t seen in a long time.”

The chairman proudly shares the positive impact on the community, “Our farm has become a lifeline. We’ve harvested and stored 30 bags of seeds from our 10.5-acre land.”

Mr. Lemeron, the vice-chair, subtly hints at their agricultural aspirations, “Presently, we store and sell only pasture seeds; the pasture harvested is directly given to our livestock but this year due to El Nino rains ,we managed to sell some surplus to loisaba conservency. To further our agricultural endeavors, we seek support in building a Hay bailing and storage facility for the grass.”

Mrs. Lekulal, the secretary, proudly shares another facet of their resilience, “We are members of the Village Savings Lending Association – VSLA and we have received financial literacy training that has helped us save, take loan and invest in small businesses such as herd restocking.”

The story of Ntepes Narapu Community is one of tenacity, courage, and triumph over adversity. As they navigate the delicate balance between nature and survival, the community remains resolute in their commitment to creating a sustainable future for themselves and generations to come. Their journey is a testament to the strength found within community bonds and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.