Enable 1500 Kenyan Rural Farmers for Agribusiness

Introduction

In this reporting period, we worked hand-in-hand with local smallholder farmers living around public forests and lakeshores in Homa Bay and Kilifi counties. Our joint effort focused on co-developing climate-resilient farmer field schools and business models tailored to their environments.

In this initiative 423 households (indirectly impacting over 2,961 people) are now actively participating in community-based agribusiness and environmental restoration initiatives. Through this project, they are:

-        Learning to interpret climate change patterns

-        Managing natural resources more sustainably

-        Launching small-scale agribusinesses in beekeeping, agroforestry, goat keeping, kitchen gardening, and fruit farming

Additionally, farmer-selected local environmental champions are now leading grassroots campaigns on climate change awareness and mitigation. The wider community impact now reaches an estimated 70,000 people.

Project Objectives

• Increase household income and food security for 1,500 smallholder farmer households
• Improve understanding and management of natural resources
• Strengthen knowledge of climate change and mitigation
• Build resilience against climate shocks through practical, adaptive farming methods

Key Achievements

• 423 smallholder farmers were engaged in the project, indirectly reaching over 2,961 community members.
• 9 farmer groups were successfully formed, each actively participating in field school activities.
• 1,830 fruit tree seedlings were distributed — nearly double the original target of 1,000.
• 26,000 forest trees were planted, slightly below the 30,000 target due to drought and floods.
• 113 goats were provided to selected households — lower than the 200 target, driven by high demand.
• 130 beehives were distributed, exceeding the target of 120.
• 1,750 kilograms of honey were harvested, processed, and marketed — surpassing the initial target of 1,500 kg.

Field Activities & Outcomes

• We formed 9 farmer groups, each with 30 members. These groups now form the core of our ongoing training and agribusiness activities. Participation exceeded expectations, with more community members showing interest than we could support.
• Ecological site assessments were conducted across 9 locations, leading to the identification of 10 acres of land for agroforestry and beekeeping. However, resource limitations restricted our reach to similar potential sites.
• 423 households received practical, hands-on training in various agribusiness practices. Out of these, 223 households adopted the skills, and 120 farmers graduated after completing the full learning cycle. Attendance was occasionally affected by competing local events such as funerals and market days.
• Climate forecasting awareness sessions are ongoing and helping communities better understand weather patterns.
• 100 community members were trained as Eco-Guardians to care for trees and promote climate awareness. However, youth participation remains low due to prevailing negative attitudes toward farming.
• All groups developed clear action plans for their specific projects. However, low literacy levels, especially among elderly members, have slowed the planning pace.
• We distributed 4,590 garden towers, 26,000 forest tree seedlings, 1,830 fruit trees, 130 beehives, and 113 goats. Unfortunately, erratic weather patterns affected the survival of some planted trees.
• 423 farmers were aligned with the existing TMT Farmers’ Cooperative, improving access to markets and agricultural support. We’re managing community expectations, which remain high.

Conclusion

The project continues to make strong progress in building climate resilience and improving livelihoods among smallholder farmers in Homa Bay and Kilifi counties. Through practical training, input distribution, and community-driven initiatives, participating households are experiencing improved food security, increased income, and greater awareness of sustainable natural resource management. Despite challenges such as limited resources, extreme weather, and varying literacy levels, the commitment from farmers, local leaders, and partners has remained high. With continued support, the project is well-positioned to expand its reach and deepen its impact across the wider community.