By Ahmed Hussein – Rhamu Mandera
This Mother’s Day, RACIDA celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of mothers like Habiba Ibrahim Sheikh—a woman whose hands not only nurture her family, but also cultivate resilience, food security, and hope for her community.
Habiba is a proud member of Iskaashato Women Group, a collective of 15 women smallholder farmers in Rhamu, Mandera County. As part of the Hanaano Project, she is one of 630 smallholder farmers who have received targeted support to strengthen their livelihoods and improve household nutrition in one of Kenya’s most drought-affected regions.
In the green fields of Rhamu, surrounded by rows of vibrant coriander ready for harvest, Habiba kneels in the soil with a smile, holding a handful of fresh produce. These crops are more than just food—they are a symbol of what’s possible when communities are supported to lead their own development.
Through the Hanaano Project, implemented by RACIDA in partnership with Concern Worldwide and Irish Aid, women like Habiba received certified drought-resistant seeds, essential farming tools, and training on sustainable farming practices and post-harvest handling. The support doesn’t stop at inputs—ongoing mentorship and peer learning have helped strengthen the group’s cohesion, knowledge-sharing, and sense of collective purpose.
“Farming has given me purpose,” Habiba says. “I can feed my children, earn something for my household, and feel proud of the work I do.”
Mandera County continues to face the impacts of climate change, food insecurity, and limited access to productive resources. But with the arrival of the seasonal rains, and the right tools and training, women farmers like Habiba are turning these challenges into opportunities. They are growing more than crops—they’re growing independence, resilience, and economic security for themselves and their families.
As we mark Mother’s Day, we honor Habiba Ibrahim Sheikh and thousands of women like her who are at the center of change in their communities. Their leadership, hard work, and unwavering commitment are shaping a future that is greener, fairer, and more hopeful.
To every mother in the field, at home, and at the heart of her community—Happy Mother’s Day. Your strength grows futures.
