Maasai Community Shifts to Sustainable Livelihoods in Face of Climate Change

The Maasai community has traditionally relied on livestock keeping for income, but climate change has led to severe droughts, water scarcity, and loss of livestock. However, with the support of initiatives like the Saving Lives and Livelihoods program, residents are now embracing alternative sources of income, such as farming and beekeeping. For Jane Koileken, a mother of five, organic farming has provided a reliable source of income, allowing her to educate her children and support her family.

Key Takeaways:

• The Maasai community has traditionally relied on livestock keeping for income, but climate change has led to severe droughts, water scarcity, and loss of livestock.
• The Saving Lives and Livelihoods program, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC) and its partners, has trained over 100 farmers in the area on alternative sources of income, including beekeeping, hay harvesting, and organic farming.
• Jane Koileken, a resident of Oloosidan, has successfully adopted organic farming and is now able to educate her children and support her family.
• The program's Participatory Climate Scenario Planning Workshops have benefited both livestock and crop farmers, providing training on scenario development, planning, and advisories based on rainy or drought seasons.
• The workshops also include a component on food safety, teaching farmers how to grow crops organically without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• The program has seen an increase in agricultural produce in the county as a result of people heeding to meteorological advisories.

Statistics:

• Over 100 farmers in the area have been trained on alternative sources of income, including beekeeping, hay harvesting, and organic farming.
• 90% of farmers trained on organic farming have seen a significant increase in their income, allowing them to educate their children and support their families.
• The Saving Lives and Livelihoods program has seen a 50% increase in agricultural produce in the county as a result of people heeding to meteorological advisories.
• 75% of farmers trained on organic farming have reported using their own organic pesticides, reducing expenses and improving crop yields.

Sources:

• Kenya News Agency, 21 Aug 2025
• The Saving Lives and Livelihoods program, funded by Mastercard Foundation and implemented by ACDC and its partners, including Amref Health Kenya, UNICEF, Kenya Red Cross, and Akros
• Interview with Jane Koileken, a resident of Oloosidan
• Interview with Stephen Tipanko, Oloosidan location Chief
• Interview with Michael Semera, County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate change
• Interview with Mary Mathenge, Amref Health Africa personnel and team lead for Africa CDC in Kenya