Nairobi, 9 May 2022 (TDI): The Islamic Relief documented the lives of Muslims in the Kenya. The documentation was done in collaboration with photographer Peter Caton and the Guardian.
Muslims in drought-stricken areas of Kenya observed the holy month of Ramadan this year. Muslims, particularly farmers, are struggling to make ends meet. Severe drought and increased food prices have made it tough for farmers like Mama Shakila to survive.
Shakila’s family is among the many who struggled to find food for Iftar. Iftar is a meal for Muslims which marks the completion of their daily fast.
‘In the last Ramadan we had a lot of green vegetables, but this Ramadan this place is dry. It is like a desert. Some people don’t even have food to eat.” Mohammed Omar, 22 stated.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many Kenyan families are struggling to make ends meet.
Food costs have risen worldwide as a result of the invasion, and Kenya has not been spared. Many people have been priced out of basic food items.
The lack of rain has also contributed to the country’s increasing drought and rising food prices. Agriculture is the primary source of income for many people in Kenya. Farmers have been unable to raise crops due to a lack of rain.
This has made it difficult for Muslims to appropriately commemorate Eid ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. Islamic Relief, on the other hand, is on the ground and assisting the devastated populations.
Islamic Relief’s support
In Kenya, Islamic Relief manages long-term development projects. They help communities build sustainable livelihoods by assisting children with schooling and supporting healthcare systems.
Vulnerable families are already receiving emergency food packages, shelter, and sanitary goods from Islamic Relief organisation.
They also offer livestock feed supplements to farmers in order to help them strengthen the animals that support their livelihoods.
