Cordaid Netherlands

by Benno Neeleman

Kenya’s northernmost regions are suffering from drought due to changes in climate. The yearly rainfalls were sufficient for the pastoralists living in the region, to provide themselves as well as their cattle with a steady amount of potable water. Nowadays the nomadic living groups such as the Gabbra are suffering from a lack of regular rainfalls and both people and cattle face starvation.

Cordaid (Catholic Organization for Relief and Development Aid), based in the Netherlands, is the largest INGO working in these northernmost regions of Kenya for an extended period of time.

In 2002 they started a Drought Cycle Management Programme to help the people in whatever way possible. Cordaid, wherever they are in the world, works in partnership with local NGO’s making it easier and more effective to work in certain areas.

Along from branches working with microcredit, education etc, the Cordaid works in the region to help the people deal with the problems they are facing because of the lack of rainfalls.

They help to maintain traditional wells, called Singing Wells, because the men fetching water are singing during their work. They also construct new and more effective water collecting points in the region. Because of the lack of potable water, local people, more and more face problems relating to health issues. Therefore Cordaid has constructed small local health posts in the region to provide pastoralists with necessary healthcare like immunization of children and adults.

The power of Cordaid is their collaboration with local NGO’s in areas that otherwise do not receive any aid whatsoever.

Benno Neeleman On behalf of Cordaid Netherlands