Deadline: 27-May-2026
The World Food Programme (World Food Programme) is implementing a climate resilience initiative in the pastoral and agro-pastoral regions of Wajir and Mandera Counties in Kenya. The programme aims to strengthen food systems, improve livelihoods, and build long-term resilience for communities affected by climate shocks, land degradation, and food insecurity.
Programme Overview
This initiative supports the transformation of local food systems into climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable structures. It is implemented under the WFP Kenya Country Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and focuses on strengthening food security, nutrition, and economic opportunities for vulnerable households through integrated community-based interventions.
The programme operates through climate-resilient food systems hubs established in Wajir and Mandera, which serve as centers for training, coordination, and service delivery.
Core Focus Areas
- Climate resilience and ecosystem restoration
- Food security and nutrition improvement
- Livelihood development and income diversification
- Agricultural input support and productivity enhancement
- Early warning systems and early action mechanisms
- Gender equality and women empowerment
- Disability inclusion and social protection
- Youth leadership and participation
- Community mobilization and engagement
- Financial inclusion and microfinance systems
- Village savings and loan associations (VSLAs)
- Value chain development and agribusiness strengthening
- Smallholder market access and trade linkages
- Policy development and social advocacy
- Research, monitoring, and data-driven decision-making
- Training and capacity building
Key Objectives
The World Food Programme initiative aims to:
- Strengthen climate-resilient food systems in Wajir and Mandera
- Improve food security and nutrition outcomes for vulnerable households
- Enhance sustainable livelihoods for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities
- Promote inclusive economic participation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities
- Build community-led natural resource management systems
- Strengthen agricultural productivity and market integration
- Support long-term self-reliance and resilience
Target Communities
The programme focuses on pastoral and agro-pastoral populations in Kenya facing:
- Climate-related shocks such as drought and flooding
- Land degradation and environmental stress
- Low agricultural productivity
- Limited access to financial services
- High post-harvest losses
- Weak market connectivity
- Poor access to water and natural resources
Key Implementation Areas
Ecosystem Restoration
- Rehabilitation of degraded land
- Sustainable land management practices
- Soil conservation and environmental protection
- Restoration of up to 600 acres of land
Livelihoods and Agribusiness Development
- Training and mentoring 400 agri-preneurs
- Supporting over 16,000 farmers indirectly
- Strengthening agribusiness value chains
- Improving productivity in maize, onions, and fodder sectors
Financial Inclusion
- Formation and strengthening of 140 village savings and loan associations
- Expansion of microfinance and revolving loan systems
- Increased access to credit and financial services
Water and Natural Resource Management
- Community-based water governance systems
- Efficient water use strategies
- Sustainable resource allocation and conservation
Food Security and Nutrition
- School feeding and nutrition programs
- Prevention of malnutrition
- Improved dietary diversity and food access
Early Warning and Climate Action
- Climate risk monitoring systems
- Early warning and early response mechanisms
- Disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies
Cross-Cutting Themes
- Gender equality and women empowerment
- Youth engagement and leadership development
- Disability inclusion and equitable access
- Community ownership and participation
- Policy advocacy and institutional strengthening
- Communication for development and awareness building
Expected Results
- Stronger climate-resilient food systems in targeted regions
- Increased income and productivity for smallholder farmers
- Expanded financial inclusion through community savings groups
- Improved land and ecosystem restoration outcomes
- Enhanced agribusiness development and market access
- Reduced vulnerability to climate shocks and food insecurity
- Greater participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups
Why This Initiative Matters
The World Food Programme initiative in Kenya addresses long-standing vulnerabilities in pastoral and agro-pastoral regions by integrating climate resilience with food security and economic development. By combining ecosystem restoration, financial inclusion, and value chain strengthening, it builds sustainable livelihoods while reducing dependence on emergency food assistance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating interventions as short-term relief instead of long-term resilience
- Weak integration of gender and inclusion components
- Lack of clear value chain or market linkage strategy
- Ignoring climate risk and early warning systems
- Poor community engagement and ownership planning
- Limited focus on sustainability and scalability
Tips for Strong Applications or Project Design
- Clearly link activities to climate resilience outcomes
- Demonstrate strong community participation models
- Include measurable food security and income indicators
- Strengthen women and youth empowerment strategies
- Build clear market access and agribusiness pathways
- Integrate financial inclusion with livelihood activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the main goal of this WFP initiative?
- To strengthen climate-resilient food systems in Wajir and Mandera
- To improve food security and livelihoods for vulnerable communities
- Who implements the programme?
- The World Food Programme in partnership with county governments
- Which areas are targeted?
- Wajir and Mandera Counties in Kenya
- Who benefits from the programme?
- Pastoral and agro-pastoral communities affected by climate change and food insecurity
- What are key focus areas?
- Ecosystem restoration, food security, financial inclusion, and agribusiness development
- How does the programme support farmers?
- Through training, value chain support, financial access, and market linkages
Conclusion
The climate resilience initiative by the World Food Programme in Kenya strengthens food systems, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in Wajir and Mandera. By integrating ecosystem restoration, financial inclusion, and inclusive economic development, it builds long-term resilience for vulnerable pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.