A greenhouse in the village of Umoja in Samburu county, Kenya, abandoned due to lack of water for irrigation. The village is only inhabited by women and was originally a haven for survivors of sexual violence. Drought in Samburu county is leading to a rise in domestic violence, as families compete for dwindling resources
A tap supplying water to Umoja village. It is usually the job of children to fill the jerry cans. Income from selling beaded Samburu crafts pays for village children’s education
Children play outside a traditional village house made of wood, earth and dried camel dung
One of the villagers, Antonella, at home with her children. Outside their homes, women are at risk of attack from men and wild animals as they are forced to travel long distances to find water
Unwashed dishes and vegetables in a village house
Another women’s community in Ltungai, in Samburu county. The community has about 10 traditional houses
Women in Ltungai have to fill their 15-litre jerry cans from a hole where the water stagnates between two rocks. The water is not safe to drink and has led to illness
Ann N’Gichili lives in Ltungai. She is a spokesperson for the women’s community
N’Gichili’s house is made of earth and dried camel dung and stands just outside the women’s community. She decided a few years ago to live a little more independently with her two children – her son Ngerai and daughter Sarafina
A young girl picks small edible flowers in Ltungai. The National Drought Management Authority reported in September that vegetation has depleted in most parts of Samburu. Open water sources have dried up and water from boreholes is dwindling
Children in Laresoro, in Samburu county, dig holes in the dried Ewaso Nyiro riverbed, searching for water on their way to school. The water is brown and unsafe to drink. Children often have black stains on their teeth from the water and stomach problems
Korbesa village, in neighbouring Isiolo county, is in the middle of a barren desert, with no water, plants or trees
Cattle graze near Ewaso Nyiro River in Isiolo district. Remaining water sources are often contaminated with domestic and wild animal waste
A small, muddy water point, where animals drink and relieve themselves is where villagers collect water for drinking, cooking and washing
Large holes have been dug to extract water. The water point is guarded by men because it has attracted people from other villages, which led to clashes
A dried out river in Ngaremara, Isiolo county
Not far from the dried river, young children now have to walk for hours to find land to graze their cattle
Farmers have to travel increasingly long distances to find water for their livestock. Women and children left behind are vulnerable to attacks by bandits
