Farmer Abida where she lives in Kenya. Image: Eyeris Communications/Oxfam

Abida drinks from a pink plastic cup.
Abida drinks from a pink plastic cup.

The ability to take a bath daily is unmatched. We were really suffering without water.”

Abdia Ibrahim, farmer in Isiolo County, Kenya
Abdia Ibrahim

I'm Abdia Ibrahim, farmer in Isiolo County, in Kenya

14 Jul, 2023

Good clean water

The ability to take a bath daily is unmatched. We were really suffering without water.”

Abdia Ibrahim, farmer in Isiolo County, Kenya

Abdia is a farmer in Isiolo county in Kenya. She lives in one of more than 1,000 homes whose residents Oxfam partners ASAL Humanitarian Network and Merti Integrated Development programme (MID-P) have worked with in the area.

Abdia Ibrahim, program participant of the water project in Barambale in Isiolo county where a water point was set up by MID -P in partnership with Oxfam. Photo: Eyeris Communications/Oxfam

Abdia Ibrahim

Abdia Ibrahim, a farmer in Isiolo County, Kenya

Abdia's story

We used to only have one meal a day, shower once a day or not at all. We would ration water for what we thought was important.

I had approximately 400 goats and several cattle. Now I have 200 goats and no cattle. The drought has caused all the wells to dry up.

Abida at the new water point where she lives in Kenya. Image: Eyeris Communications/Oxfam

The emergency drought response project

Oxfam partner Merti Integrated Development Program (MID-PI) together with Oxfam in Kenya, has fixed the drilled water well in the area where Abdia lives. They've put in proper water pipes to the watering point in the community too.

Adapting to climate change

They give us water treating chemicals and storage tanks that allow us to have clean water in the house for more than a week. Also, the ability to take a bath daily is unmatched. We were really suffering without water. I can now enjoy good clean water that is safe for drinking and cooking without fearing for my children's health.

“

I can now enjoy good clean water that is safe for drinking and cooking without fearing for my children's health.”

Abdia, a farmer in Isiolo County, Kenya

"I am Ibrahim Kabelo. I work for Merti Integrated Development Program (MID-P) as a Program Manager. MID-P is a local NGO based in Isiolo." Image: Loliwe Phiri/Oxfam

The project also gives girls reusable sanitary towels and basins.

"I am Ibrahim Kabelo. I work for Merti Integrated Development Program (MID-P) as a Program Manager. MID-P is a local NGO based in Isiolo. We are also giving out Non Food Items."

Going back to school

Before, my daughter would use our old clothing items as a substitute for sanitary towels. It was messy and would mean she is away from school for the duration of her monthly period. Now, [my daughter] can be in school and be comfortable.

“

Now, [my daughter] can be in school and be comfortable.”

Abdia, a farmer in Isiolo County, Kenya

Abida in Kenya. Image: Eyeris Communications/Oxfam

Access to water for all

  • Drought caused by climate change has dried up rivers and dams in Kenya.
  • Abdia and her children were walking almost 30 kilometres to access dirty water
  • Now the water hole is fixed, they have access to clean usable water and Abdia doesn’t have to spend half her day looking for water.

This project was supported by funding from the German Federation Foreign Office (GFFO).

Discover more stories