Daasanach Development Organization
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Daasanach Development Organization ABOUT DDO Daasanach Development Organization (DDO) was established in 2010 by Jackson Achinya, Peter Akol, Naphtali Mattah, Onesmus Kamwara and James Korie Haile. Its main objective is to reduce the effects caused by poverty, remote locations and isolation of the community from mainstream society. The purpose of the organization is to seek permanent solutions to problems caused by persistent droughts and famine on the local populace. It also seeks to eradicate illiteracy, poverty, increase access to clean water, provide access to basic services and opportunities and livelihood diversification. History and Economic issues of the Daasanach People There is no certainty as to the population of the ‘Daasanach but a rough estimation according to the census conducted on the Kenyan side in the year 2009, the number was 10,000. They are made up of eight distinct ancestral/tribal sections, each with its own name, though collectively they call themselves “Daasanach,” and they all speak the same language and for the most part share the same cultural practices. There is an estimation of between 60-80,000 who frequent between the Kenya/Ethiopia boarder. Sorghum is their staple crop, but they also plant tobacco, green grams, and field peas. Away from the delta the terrain is mostly arid scrubland, and the warrior-age men (often with their wives and children) stay on the move searching for good grazing for their livestock. Over the past 75 years they have lost the majority of their grazing land in Kenya, including on both sides of Lake Turkana, and the ‘Ilemi Triangle’ of Sudan, which has resulted in a massive decrease in the numbers of cattle, goats and sheep. Why is our project different? One village elder remembers very fondly his youth, when there was enough food for both the people and livestock to be full. He said everything has changed within the last 15-20 years. The rains have reduced, along with the land available for grazing. Some groups come in to help, but only offer immediate famine relief instead of sustainable solutions. Businessmen are buying one fish for 15 shillings only to turn around and sell it for 500 shillings in markets just outside the reach of the Daasanach community. With a three day drive to the capitol of Kenya and two days to the nearest large town, their access to a market that could boost their economy and provide necessary food is limited. “We are tired of being slaves,” he said. “We are tired of dying.” So why is this project so different? Because it’s the community’s idea. There are many different factors negatively impacting the Daasnach community which result not only in low-in- come but also famine causing the death of the people and their livestock. This is a annual occurrence that affects every person in the community. Our plan is simple. Phase one: Purchase two trucks to take over the fishing and cattle trade routes. Outside businessmen have a monopoly on the movement of goods in and out of the community. If the Daasanach people are able to run their own trade then they can generate more income as well as purchase stock food items at a lower rate. DDO will facilite this trade and use the money generated to invest back into phases two and three Step 1: Purchase two lorries (trucks) estimated at $90k each and various fishing material estimated at $20k Step 2: Hire drivers and run trade routes for both fishing and cattle communities. Step 3: Buy food to bring back on truck as it returns and sell to community at reduced rate Phase two: Invest is sustainable agriculture projects. Food can be grown in the area with the help of solar-pow- ered irrigation. Profit from the trade routes will be invested back into started small community farms that will help increase nutrition and fight off famine. Step 1: Work on sustainable agriculture projects in riverbeds Step 2: Bring in specialists to train on better care of livestock Step 3: Bring in experts to train on restocking lake through fisheries Phase three: Community growth. Once the immediate issues of trade and food are functioning on a high level, efforts will be made to develop local schools and medical facilities. Step 1: Set up medicial facilites in all majorly popluated areas by the community Step 2: Set up both youth and adult educational centers in populated areas Our plan is to revitalize the outlook of a whole community with $200k.