Harvests Despite a Drought

In 2022, CHOICE in Kenya began working with the Baraka Farmers Self-Help Group. This Group is an association comprised of 45 government-registered farmers from Silaloni Village. It was formed in 2020 by community members interested in participating in community-based agricultural projects and improving their knowledge and income from agriculture.

Silaloni is semi-arid, and 80% of its residents depend on subsistence farming as their main economic activity. To date, the farmers have harvested tomatoes, amaranth, maize, okra, and eggplant. Their dedication and commitment have resulted in a 144% increase in produce profits, from $540 in 2021 to $1,320 in 2022.

The Group’s farm receives water from the community water dam. The water dam serves all the community’s domestic and agricultural water needs. Over the last two years, farmers have grown and harvested vegetables as a source of food for their families and income by selling some of the produce to other community members.

Silaloni has experienced persistent drought and several failed rainy seasons over the last five years, which has led to failed crops, an increase in poverty, and dependence on food aid. To curb these challenges, CHOICE Humanitarian in Kenya is working with the Baraka Farmers Self-Help Group, and through the local community-based organization (CBO), these entities are providing farmers with technical support and farm input. Working in close collaboration with Pwani University, the CHOICE team in Kenya will also contribute more expertise on dryland farming, water management and conservation, and hands-on technical support within the communities.

A Ripple Effect of Knowledge

The Kenya team for CHOICE has trained the farmers on modern agricultural techniques, soil management, efficient water use, planting of drought-resistant crops, and modeling the community farm as a demonstration tool to educate both the Group and community members. The Group has directly impacted over 519 people. Through working with CHOICE in Kenya, the community has identified Community Extension Volunteers (CEVs) who will work with farmers from their villages and transfer the knowledge and skills they have acquired at the Baraka Farmers Self-Help Group Model Farm.

Baraka farmers are also replicating what they have learned at the Group Farm at their homesteads. This will help reduce malnutrition and improve the management of agriculture production and the income of community members. CHOICE in Kenya is working in several other communities in developing and implementing the model farm program and currently has programs in Mckinnon Rd (Hussain Farm), Muungano Primary School, Chanzou Primary School, Mbele Primary School, and Kanjaocha Primary School.

Hussein’s Impact on His Community

Hussein is a farmer using agriculture to bring change to his family and community. He started his agriculture projects in 2020 and has since dug a water dam in his farm to support his farming activities. Hussein grows many drought-resistant crops, including okra, Amaranthus, green grams, maize, African nightshade, and eggplant. The farm has improved the nutrition of his family and generated income through the sale of surplus vegetables in the community.

Additionally, the water dam also provides water to more than 2,000 people in his community, which is used in kitchens and for gardening at their homes. From the engagement with CHOICE in Kenya, Hussein plans to start agricultural clubs in a nearby school where he often supplies his produce. Even with the successes, Hussein sometimes loses his crops to elephants that invade the farm, especially during the dry months, but he remains hopeful and expects an unusually productive harvest when the rains return.

When thinking about the future and how he plans to further impact his community, Hussein shared this: “I aim to continue to work with CHOICE until I fulfill my dream of starting The Busho Insitute of Dryland Farming. Through this, my community will gain agricultural skills that will help them to become self-reliant in food production and grow economically.”