1st Agricultural Training for Farmers, Northern Kenya, Marsabit

“The land will become desolate because of its inhabitants, as the result of their deeds.”
– The Bible, Micah 7:13

Marsabit, in northern Kenya, is now in its third consecutive year without rain. Clan violence continues between the Gabra, Burdgi, and Borana peoples—Muslims fighting one another. At the same time, the Al-Shabaab militia is pushing in from Somalia in the northeast, spreading fear and instability. Violence is widespread; even children have been shot outside their schools. The town of Marsabit is under heavy police protection, and a curfew is enforced from 6:00 p.m. onward.

Marsabit County—the largest county in Kenya, roughly the size of the German state of Hesse—is gripped by severe drought. Clean water is scarce and costly. Farmers are afraid to go to their fields to harvest because they risk being shot. Their animals can barely find anything to eat, and many die painfully. Some farmers even buy cardboard just to give their livestock something to eat.

Against this backdrop, it was a great honor that people still came to our agricultural training at LINK (Leadership Institute of Northern Kenya). As Christian women, we were especially grateful for the warm welcome from the highest imam of Marsabit County. A young sheikh closely connected to him served as our translator and became our closest co-worker, which was deeply encouraging. Many young people involved in a farming initiative also joined the training.

At first, there was skepticism and cynicism, but this soon turned into a positive and joyful working atmosphere. Strong relationships were formed. Even DMM (Disciple-Making Movement) workers from Liveway Mission in other parts of Kenya attended. They were highly committed, quickly took responsibility in group work, and helped with translation.

Each participant shared personal challenges, experiences, and practical knowledge. This marked the first step toward becoming a learning community. I personally learned a great deal about this climate zone. Still, some questions remained—such as: “What do you do when an elephant comes into your garden and sits with his big bottom in your pond?”

Core learning topics in regenerative farming

• Water management: Watering alone is not the solution.
• Soil management: Can we farm without pesticides and chemical fertilizers?
• Plant management: What was the original design—and where did we go wrong?
• FMNR (Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration): Restoring forests using Tony Rinaudo’s method.

Highlight: A visit to FMNR work in Laisamis, southern Marsabit

The situation there was far less desperate, thanks to the pioneering work of six indigenous women. They were mentored and supported by Irene. Their project became a powerful sign of hope: even where reforestation seems impossible, FMNR allows land to regenerate without planting new trees.

Irene demonstrated how regrowth from the stumps of previously cut trees could restore a savanna within seven years and raise the water table. Local women explained that they planned to begin growing vegetables the following year—without digging a well. Their vision was to inspire others in the region to adopt FMNR as well, so that the rising water table would benefit the entire area.

During the forest’s regeneration phase, the women generated income by selling Arabic gum and frankincense (dried resin from acacia and Boswellia neglecta), as well as firewood. They also preserved goat fodder from acacia fruit. Unlike other areas—where animals were fed cardboard—there was always enough food here.

While farther north herds were dying and both people and animals suffered from extreme drought, the women farmers of Laisamis who practiced FMNR had enough to live on. Their work stands as a model of hope for the entire region.