Upon my arrival at Matiru Sub-Location in Meru, I learned that the locals refer to the area as “Bairwanda,” which means “desert” in their language. Despite its name, Bairwanda is significant to the community due to a small river and swamp that serve as the primary water source for both people and livestock. This place, often described as an oasis, is also where they grow vegetables and care for their animals.

When the rainy season began, the community had already planted their crops, hoping for a good harvest. However, I was taken aback to see the “oasis” flooded. The water had submerged the grass and vegetables, filling me with concern since this swamp is crucial to the community’s survival. It felt like a significant loss. Yet, when I spoke with the locals, they remained calm. They explained that the situation wasn’t as severe as in previous years. They had become accustomed to the floods and had learned to adapt to the changing environment.

Despite the flooding, the community quickly adjusted. They moved their livestock to a distant area called “Manyatta” for grazing, as there was no other nearby location to feed them. I was impressed by the resilience and adaptability of the people here. They have learned to cope with whatever challenges arise. For them, each change is simply a part of life, and they continue to move forward with hope.