Maasai herdsman leading his animals to water in an area where climate change is taking its toll on poor communities
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Authors
Karen Robinson
Issue Date
2006
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Agriculture , Environment
Alternative Title
Abstract
Tipatet Ole Ngongoni a MaasaiShepherd brings his animals to water at the drying river. This area, the Maasai Mara (Magadi district), is very dry, and hasn't had proper rains that have had impact for 3 years. Livestock is dying because nothing is growing, so animals have no food. Few trees are left and there are no leaves within reach of the animals. When livestock die, communities lose their source of income both now and into the future. People become dependent on food aid. Practical Action built a well about 4 years ago, that enables the community to get water - but even that water is now so saline that it is difficult for people to drink. The well is an underground tank, which is fed by a 1km pipeline from the spring that supplies the river. Sharon Looremeta - Practical Action Field Officer"Last time it rained that helped people was 3 years ago. Normally it rains in April and in October. But for the last 3 years, there have not been proper rains. People survive by the grace of god. You saw the river, it is practically dry. Communiities either have to drink salty water or they have to go 45km to collect better water that they have to pay for. It’s very difficult. And the situation is getting worse. This is part of global warming and it has really had a negative impact. The animals have moved away from this place - there are no animals. People here are getting poorer and poorer. They have to rely on the government and aid for food because all our animals are dying” This image seeks to demonstrate the difficulties poor people are facing with the effects that Climate Change is bringing to their communities. It one of many image recorded during Adam Hart-Davis trip to Practical Action projects.
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All Rights Reserved