The Chalbi Desert
March 13, 2023
There is a desert in Marsabit County. The Chalbi desert.
As we drive through the desert, we know the drill, Cover up! No amount of cover up can save you from the dust. We stop to take selfies, but the sun is fighting for space with our skins,
The drive takes us roughly two hours.
When we get to the first village, it is market day.
This is a big deal because the truck ferrying the veggies comes into town twice a month. Imagine having to wait two weeks to get your groceries.
The women flock the back of the truck all looking to feed their families, but they can only buy food that will, at the very least, last two days.
The drought situation does not accord them the luxury to buy food in bulk.
The smiles on their faces as they walk back to their Manyattas, show a people glad that despite the circumstances, they will be able to feed their families today.
That is all that matters. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
As the sun sets in the horizon, it sets on a land that screams of poverty. The people here define living a day at a time.
#EastAfricaFoodCrisis #WeTellAfricanStories
Write Up: Wanjiru Kimuya
Photo Credit: Marcos Wahwai
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