As we move through the first months of 2026, the Organization for Sustainable Development Africa (OSDA) continues to deliver impactful, community-centered programs across Northern Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. This year has seen focused efforts on water security, youth skills development, climate-smart livelihoods, drought preparedness, and strengthened cross-border partnerships. Marking a decade since our founding in 2016, these early-year activities reflect our ongoing commitment to helping people help themselves through sustainable, inclusive solutions.
Strengthening Water Access and WASH Infrastructure
Reliable water remains foundational to health, livelihoods, and dignity in arid and semi-arid lands. In recent months, OSDA has advanced several borehole and WASH projects to deliver lasting improvements. A major milestone was the official handover of the Ires Kinto Borehole in Mandera County. Equipped with solar-powered pumping, a 50m³ elevated storage tank, community water kiosks, livestock watering troughs, and perimeter fencing, the facility was developed through collaboration with the Mandera County Government and funded by the European Union via the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Community operators have received comprehensive training, and gender-responsive latrines are under construction to enhance sanitation access and safety.
Investing in Youth Skills and Economic Empowerment
Empowering young people with market-relevant skills and entrepreneurial support is key to building long-term economic resilience. OSDA’s youth-focused initiatives in 2026 are already yielding promising results. Through the ELEVATE Project—implemented in partnership with World Vision Kenya and funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) via IOM—75 young beneficiaries were successfully enrolled in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs at the Mandera Technical and Vocational Training Centre. The curriculum aligns directly with local labor market demands, equipping participants for sustainable employment or self-employment opportunities.
Building Climate Resilience and Anticipatory Action
With recurrent drought and climate variability intensifying, OSDA has emphasized proactive, anticipatory measures to protect vulnerable households and ecosystems.Early in the year, OSDA joined a seed banking and agro-ecology debrief in Mandera following specialized training at the Seed Savers Network. Key commitments include establishing a county-level seed bank, scaling agro-ecological practices, and training 300 farmers under the ELEVATE Project in collaboration with partners such as RACIDA and World Vision.
Deepening Partnerships and Organizational Momentum
Strong alliances continue to amplify OSDA’s reach and effectiveness. In February, a high-level meeting under the Daris Wacan Project brought together representatives from the Somali and Kenyan governments, IGAD, IOM, World Vision, READO, and other partners in Nairobi. The discussions generated actionable recommendations to enhance cross-border programming and address shared challenges.
An IOM mission team visited project sites to review implementation of the Multi-Partner Trust Fund and Daris Wacan initiatives, assessing achievements, identifying bottlenecks, and planning enhanced drought-response coordination. OSDA’s Annual General Meeting held in January provided an opportunity to reflect on 2025 accomplishments and align priorities for the current year, reinforcing internal accountability and strategic direction.
Moving Forward Together
The opening months of 2026 have demonstrated OSDA’s determination to deliver tangible, sustainable change even in the face of mounting climate and humanitarian pressures. From life-saving water infrastructure and youth empowerment to climate-resilient agriculture and cross-border collaboration, these efforts are directly improving lives and strengthening community capacity across the region. We remain deeply grateful to our partners—including IOM, the European Union, KOICA, World Vision, Mandera County Government, and many others—for their continued trust and support. We also thank the communities we serve for their active participation and resilience. Stay connected for ongoing updates, and consider joining us—whether through partnership, donation, advocacy, or sharing our work. Together, we can build a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Horn of Africa.
