ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN)

AHN Final Narrative Report-Vitol Foundation

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AHN Final Narrative Report-Vitol Foundation

Between October 2024 and March 2025, the ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN) successfully implemented the Supporting Community-Led Response (SCLR) model across 163 villages in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Through this approach, communities designed and implemented 142 approved micro-projects addressing local priorities such as water access, sanitation, education, livelihoods, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience.

Funded primarily by the Vitol Foundation, with complementary support from multiple donors, the initiative directly reached over 295,000 individuals and indirectly impacted over 1 million people through WASH systems, community infrastructure, and media outreach.

Key achievements include:

  • 69 WASH projects including water systems and sanitation interventions

  • 30 livelihood and food security initiatives (e.g., restocking, IGAs, farming)

  • 14 school-focused micro-projects to improve learning environments

  • 17 DRR and environmental projects, including flood mitigation and tree planting

  • Civic and gender-responsive campaigns including menstrual hygiene and capacity-building grants

The program demonstrated the viability of SCLR as a scalable, cost-effective model that strengthens local ownership, especially through women-led organizations. AHN mobilized an additional $188,000 in donor funding beyond the core Vitol grant, enabling expansion and long-term sustainability.

Strategic outcomes included:

  • Integration of community-developed disaster plans into county frameworks

  • National recognition through advocacy expos, storytelling, and media outreach

  • Strengthened institutional capacity among local implementing partners

  • Emergence of grassroots leadership and cultural shifts in gender inclusion

AHN’s experience reaffirmed that flexible, locally managed funding and learning-by-doing empower communities to create sustainable solutions tailored to their realities. The report calls for longer project durations, continuous donor flexibility, and stronger recognition of local facilitators as frontline development actors.