Arid Lands Development Focus (ALDEF)
Empowering Resilience in ASAL Communities
Driving sustainable development and humanitarian impact across Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands through innovative programs, local partnerships, and transformative solutions.
Who We Are
Transforming Lives in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands
Arid Lands Development Focus (ALDEF) was founded in 1989 as a grassroots initiative under the name Wajir Volunteer Group, driven by the need to address the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Initially focused on community-led solutions, the organization transitioned into a fully-fledged non-governmental organization to expand its scope and impact. Over the years, ALDEF has evolved into a recognized leader in delivering sustainable development and humanitarian aid, aligning its strategies with both local realities and global development frameworks. Strategic partnerships and an adaptive approach have enabled the organization to broaden its reach, ensuring its programs remain relevant and responsive to emerging challenges.
Today, ALDEF operates as a dynamic organization dedicated to transforming the lives of ASAL communities. Programs focus on enhancing resilience, promoting good governance, and addressing urgent needs through education, climate change adaptation, food security, and livelihoods. The organization collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and international donors, to deliver inclusive and impactful interventions. Emphasis on innovative approaches and evidence-based solutions underscores ALDEF’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and equity. As a convener of key networks and an advocate for localization, the organization continues to play a pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges of ASAL regions.
Our Strategic Pillars
Our Strategic Pillars
Strategic Pillars: Foundations of Our Impact
Guiding Our Work
The strategic pillars of ALDEF provide a structured framework to address the challenges faced by communities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). These pillars ensure that our interventions are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our vision of empowering marginalized populations. Rooted in principles of good governance, resilience, and equity, they guide our approach to sustainable development and humanitarian assistance.
Transforming Communities
Through Good Governance, Gender Justice, and Advocacy, we strengthen community participation and promote accountability in decision-making. Our focus on Building Resilience empowers communities to adapt to climate change and sustainably manage resources. Humanitarian Emergency Response addresses immediate needs while integrating long-term recovery strategies. Institutional Systems and Capacity Strengthening ensures that local institutions and service delivery systems are efficient and sustainable, driving lasting change for underserved populations. Together, these pillars form the foundation of our mission to transform lives and create dignified futures.
Driving Change Through Key Programmes
Our key programmes address the critical challenges of Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), focusing on education, governance, resilience, and livelihoods.
Expanding access to inclusive education by reintegrating out-of-school children, training teachers, and advocating for child protection in underserved ASAL communities.
Promoting inclusive governance, community advocacy, and social accountability to enhance citizen participation and drive equitable public service delivery.
Implementing climate-smart solutions, water resource management, and adaptation strategies to build resilience and mitigate climate change impacts.
Supporting sustainable livelihoods and improving food security through asset creation, community-led initiatives, and agricultural development.
Our Donors
ALDEF is supported by a diverse group of donors, including the EU, USAID, ECHO, Save the Children, and SIDA, enabling impactful interventions in ASAL regions.
Our Partners
Collaborating with networks like AHN, NEAR, and KCC, ALDEF works alongside local, national, and international organizations to maximize its reach and effectiveness.
