Land, water and dignity: how rural villages in Djibouti are being reborn

In rural northern Djibouti,a region historically marked by drought,poverty,and food insecurity,communities such as Kalaf and Dafenaytou are spearheading a paradigm shift. What began as an intervention to strengthen climate resilience has evolved into a process of economic and social transformation,led primarily by women.

The introduction of home gardens,forage plots,adapted farming tools,and practical training has enabled entire families to regain the ability to feed themselves from their own land. In these villages,each household now manages its own production area,reducing dependence on external markets and reinforcing self-sufficiency. Access to land has shifted from being a privilege to becoming a tool for autonomy.

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One of the most notable advances has been the central role women have taken on. In Dafenaytou,the local agricultural cooperative has over 70 members,the majority of whom are women,and at least half of the leadership positions are held by women. This new balance of power has improved not only community governance but also the efficiency of agricultural activities. Women are no longer just cultivators; they also make decisions,manage income,and sustain the local economy.

The benefits extend beyond production. Improvements in nutrition,hygiene,and food availability have had a direct impact on child health and school attendance,especially among girls,who are now freed from domestic chores such as fetching water or food. The adoption of drought-resistant seeds,simple irrigation systems,and labor-saving equipment has reduced physical burdens and optimized results.

While the project is supported technically and financially by the African Climate Change Fund and the African Development Bank,its true value lies in community ownership of the process. In a region where land once symbolized exclusion,it now represents life,future,and resilience. Kalaf and Dafenaytou have become tangible examples of how a well-targeted intervention can empower communities and lay the foundations for sustainable development from the ground up.