Building Resilience in the Mandera Triangle: How the Hanaano Programme Is Restoring Hope

For decades, the Mandera Triangle—where Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia meet—has faced some of the harshest climate shocks in the Horn of Africa. Prolonged droughts, flash floods, livelihood losses, and persistently high levels of child wasting have left communities extremely vulnerable. But today, a new wave of resilience is rising.Through the Hanaano Programme, implemented by Concern Worldwide and partners, thousands of families are beginning to rebuild their lives, restore their dignity, and secure a more sustainable future.

A Region Under Pressure

The Mandera Triangle has long been associated with:Recurring droughts and failed harvestsDwindling pasture and water resourcesHigh child malnutrition ratesCross-border conflict and displacementFragile local economies and limited basic servicesThese challenges have trapped communities in cycles of hunger, poverty, and crisis.

The Hanaano Solution

The Hanaano Programme—funded by Irish Aid and implemented across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia—takes a holistic approach to strengthen resilience rather than simply treat emergencies.

1. Nutrition Support for Mothers and Children

Mother-to-mother groups, early childhood feeding, antenatal awareness, and community health education help prevent child wasting before it begins.

2. Climate-Smart Livelihoods

Farmers and pastoralists receive training, tools, irrigation support, and new crop options like watermelon, cowpeas, onions, and maize—transforming dry fields into productive farms.

3. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

Solar-powered boreholes, earth pans, rehabilitated water points, and household latrines improve health and reduce water stress.

4. Natural Resource Management

Communities now share water infrastructure, land, and farming equipment across borders—reducing conflict and supporting sustainable land use.

5. Crisis Modifier for Emergencies

Shock-affected households receive immediate cash transfers during sudden crises such as drought, reducing harmful coping mechanisms.

6. Cross-Border Coordination

With support from IGAD, the programme strengthens collaboration among Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia—aligning systems with pastoralist mobility patterns.

Lives Changing on the Ground

Farmers in Mandera County report healthier soils, better harvests, and increased income. Mothers say their children are healthier and better nourished. Households affected by floods or droughts recover faster thanks to rapid support. Entire villages now have cleaner water and safer sanitation.Where vulnerability once dominated, resilience is taking root.

A Concern—and a Solution

Concern Worldwide and its local partners have demonstrated that when communities are supported holistically—nutrition, livelihoods, water, health, and climate adaptation—lasting change becomes possible.The Mandera Triangle is still facing challenges, but hope is rising. The Hanaano Programme is showing what is achievable when local knowledge, international support, and community determination come together.