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A quick google of the words famine, drought and Africa brings up a remarkable number of articles and blog posts.  The Guardian in the UK has a terrific blog called Poverty Matters and recent posts include a review of a book, “Pastoralism and Development in Africa” as well as a

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From Beggars to Lenders

The sun was setting as we gathered in the shade of Amina’s huts in Korr.  Kura had arranged for me to meet with the Bayo Savings Group and I recognized many faces.  Over steaming cups of sweetened goat milk tea, we shared stories and laughed.  The women poked fun at

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The Squirrel and the Elephant

A few months ago, Kura and I were sitting by the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu.  After a 12 day trip in the field, we were enjoying watching a family of elephants play in the river.  Kura was in a reflective mood. “You know, Mama Rungu,” Kura said, “we have

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Baba Rungu Gets a Blessing

Our journey through Laisamis district continued to be challenging.  The rain had stopped but it took days for the muddy, clay roads to dry out.  We got stuck on numerous occasions but soldiered on and actually made it across the Kaisut Desert in time for lunch in Korr. Doug had

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Breaking out Plan B

The clouds had been gathering for days before our final night at Sirikoi Camp.  During the early hours, cracks of thunder could be heard in the distance. Lightening lit up the roof of our tent.  At dawn we heard a pride of nearby lions who growled and whoofed their displeasure.

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A Lala Kidogo (small sleep) with the Baby Cheetah

Corwin and I do a morning game drive in Samburu – not as exciting as the night before – but we are still rewarded with the extraordinary sight of another leopard.  As we drive out of the park, Kura and I take David and Corwin past the dead elephant that

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Breaking My African Heart

The campsite run by the Isgargaro Women’s group in Loglogo used to be my favorite place to stay during my visits to the area.  Over the years, however, the accommodations in other locations have greatly improved, while Isgargaro’s huts and buildings have slowly been devoured by termites and poor maintenance. 

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Weapons, Testosterone and a Race

A day of rest was all we needed.  I felt better and Kura was ready to move. It is hard for people who have left villages like Korr to then return home.  The cultural expectation to provide support and money to others is overwhelming.  At each village we visit, it

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No, Kura, I Will Not Die

Our time in Loiyangalani includes a few trips to swim in Lake Turkana, about a mile west of town. Brushing aside thoughts of crocodiles, we douse our sun-scorched bodies in the cool water. On our final night, Turkana dancers meet us on the shoreline as the sun sets. Everyone joins

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A Land of Ethnic Conflicts, Livestock Raiders and Cheetahs

At 6 am, our group leaves in two vehicles.  I am driving Gumps with Semej and Omar, Kit, Chip and Corwin.  Kura has David, Maina and a dozen other passengers under canvas in the back of the Defender. We will drive from Korr to Loiyangalani through a semi-desert land that

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The BOMA Dashboard

ParameterChange
New businesses launched since 20081,380
New business owners4,668
Business skills training sessions73
Dependent children impacted23,340
Savings groups launched176
Savings training sessions32
Businesses in operation after one year99%
Businesses in operation after three years97%

Impact on Women and Children at One Year

Parameter Change
Eating meat 54% increase
Buying rice 83% increase
Children going to bed without food 63% decrease

Impact on Women and Children at Three Years

ParameterChange
Children attending school78% increase
Made home improvements95%
Built a latrine20%
Enrolled in literacy programs41%

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