In many pastoralist communities like Turkana, conflict doesn’t just steal livestock. It steals peace, safety, and opportunity, especially from women and young children.
When violence erupts through cattle rustling or inter-clan clashes, women are often forced into survival mode. They must protect their homes, support their families in crisis, and carry the emotional and physical burden of keeping their children safe. Amid this chaos, essential acts of care like breastfeeding are interrupted, postponed, or abandoned entirely.
Stress, poor nutrition, displacement, and fear all take a toll on breastfeeding mothers. Insecure environments reduce milk supply, make regular feeding difficult, and isolate mothers from the support systems they need such as midwives, health workers, and women’s groups. Even when services are available, many mothers fear leaving home or travelling long distances due to security threats.
This year, as the world marked World Breastfeeding Week, CIFORD Kenya planned a seminar in Attan, Turkana to support and educate mothers on breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, and early childhood care. The session aimed to strengthen local knowledge and reinforce practices that give children the best start in life.
But when the day came, only 27 women were able to attend.
Just one day before, a cattle rustling incident had shaken the community. Rumors of retaliation and further attacks spread quickly. Many mothers, fearing for their safety, stayed behind. Others had to assist in herding livestock, a vital livelihood that often falls to the entire family during times of insecurity.
It was a sobering reminder that conflict isn’t just measured in stolen animals or burnt huts. It is also measured in missed opportunities to protect and nourish the next generation.
Why This Matters
In regions like Turkana where infant malnutrition and maternal health risks remain high, breastfeeding is not just a personal choice. It is a lifeline. It protects infants against disease, strengthens maternal bonds, and provides a foundation for healthy development. But when insecurity takes root, even these most basic, natural practices become difficult to maintain.
The 27 mothers who did attend engaged with deep interest and courage. Their stories, questions, and determination highlighted a powerful truth. Even in the face of conflict, women want to learn, grow, and care for their children. What they need is consistent support and a safe environment in which to receive it.
A Call for Integrated Action
As organizations and institutions working in maternal and child health, we must:
- Recognize that peace and safety are essential for effective health outreach
- Design programs that can flex and respond in times of instability
- Advocate for the protection of women and children during conflict not only as victims but as key pillars of community resilience
The road ahead in Turkana, and in many similar regions, remains complex. But our resolve is clear. CIFORD Kenya will continue walking alongside these mothers, creating safe spaces wherever and however possible for knowledge sharing, healing, and care.
Because no mother should be forced to choose between her safety and her baby’s wellbeing.
