Food Security & Climate-Smart Agriculture
BLEC trains smallholder farmers and pastoralist households in drought-resilient crops, livestock management, and kitchen gardening to improve food security. Through agribusiness hubs, we strengthen access to markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote diversified diets. We also support communities in adopting climate-smart practices such as soil conservation, water harvesting, and agroforestry to withstand recurring droughts and climate shocks.
Impact: Improved household nutrition, reduced hunger, and higher yields (+35–50%).
Aligned SDGs: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 15 – Life on Land.
Financial Inclusion & Livelihoods
BLEC uses table banking and group-based microfinance to provide access to savings and loans for women and youth who are excluded from formal banking systems. This enables members to invest in farming inputs, small businesses, and education. We also build capacity in entrepreneurship and value chain development, ensuring long-term income security and resilience.
Impact: 150 active women’s savings groups, 510 jobs created, and families financing food, healthcare, and school fees independently.
Aligned SDGs: SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities.
Gender Equality & Social Protection
BLEC champions women’s leadership and participation in community decision-making and economic activities. We integrate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, child protection, and equity programs into all interventions. Our programs empower women to move from vulnerability to leadership, while ensuring children and marginalized groups are protected and included.
Impact: Women lead 80% of savings groups; increased awareness and reporting of GBV; improved child welfare outcomes.
Aligned SDGs: SDG 5 – Gender Equality, SDG 16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.
Youth Empowerment & Skills Development
BLEC invests in youth vocational training, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness opportunities to create employment pathways in Turkana’s fragile economy. We equip young people with practical skills in farming, small enterprise management, digital literacy, and leadership to reduce unemployment and migration.
Impact: Over 40% of our beneficiaries are youth; hundreds of young people supported to start income-generating activities.
Aligned SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth.
Community Resilience & Humanitarian Response
Turkana is highly vulnerable to droughts, floods, and climate-related crises. BLEC strengthens communities’ ability to adapt through early warning systems, climate adaptation strategies, and emergency livelihood support. We also integrate humanitarian response with long-term development, ensuring food and income security even in crisis situations.
Impact: Communities sustain food access during lean seasons; improved household coping strategies; stronger resilience against climate shocks.
Aligned SDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Communities, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.