Enable 1500 Kenyan Rural Farmers for Agribusiness

Introduction:

This project report showcases the significant impacts and achievements of our initiatives in dairy goat upgrading, beekeeping, and fruit and forest tree cultivation. By introducing hybrid bucks for crossbreeding, promoting beekeeping for improved crop yields and income, and distributing fruit and agroforestry trees, we aim to enhance family livelihoods, ensure food security, and mitigate climate change effects.

1. Dairy Goat Upgrading:

The local goat upgrading project in Homa Bay County Kenya focuses on crossbreeding hardy local female goats with exotic hybrid bucks. The resulting crossbreed offspring are hardy, high-yielding, and early maturing. This project has positively impacted family livelihoods through improved nutrition from highly nutritious goat milk and meat consumption, as well as increased income from selling the highly valued crosses. Our zero grazing management system controls destructive behavior, facilitates easy collection of manure and urine for kitchen gardening and fodder production, and improves soil fertility.

Achievements:

Currently, 235 families, including 21 Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), participate in the goat breeding project, benefiting a total of 1,175 people. Through the project, families have gained access to goat milk, improved household income, and enhanced nutrition. Additionally, over 400 families have benefited by crossbreeding their local goat breeds with the exotic bucks.

Trainings:

We prioritize experiential learning, conducting training in farmers' own fields using the Farmers Field and Business School methodology. A total of 157 farmers have participated in training sessions covering various aspects of goat rearing, including breeding, care of newborn kids, feeding, health management, and pasture establishment.

Sustainability:

To ensure long-term sustainability, we employ the "passing on the gift" methodology, encouraging farmers to share knowledge, experience, and livestock among community members. During the reporting period, 8 farmers have passed on goats to new farmers, strengthening the sustainability of the project.

Challenges and Mitigation:

Global warming and erratic rainfall patterns pose challenges to fodder establishment and goat health. Farmers have been trained in climate-smart agriculture techniques, such as the Tumbukiza method and fodder preservation skills, to mitigate these effects. Additionally, the management of breeding bucks is delegated to economically stable community members to prevent losses.

2. Apiculture (Beekeeping)

Beekeeping has positively impacted crop production through increased bee populations and enhanced pollination. During the reporting period, 60 farmers harvested an average of 10 kg of honey, generating income and improving household economic status. Training focused on apiary management, modern beekeeping rules, harvest procedures, and bee product utilization.

3. Fruit and Forest Trees:

The project promotes fruit trees and agroforestry for household economic empowerment, nutrition, and climate change adaptation. We distributed 2000 fruit trees and 20,000 agroforestry trees to 200 households, benefitting approximately 10,000 people.

Partnerships:

In pursuit of our goals, we actively collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries for veterinary and extension services, the County Government for licensing, and agro vets for agrochemicals and livestock drugs.

Conclusion:

The Dairy Goat Upgrading, Beekeeping, and Fruit & Forest Trees initiatives have had significant impacts on livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience in Homa Bay County. Through our partnerships, trainings, and sustainable practices, we aim to continue empowering communities and fostering environmental stewardship for a better future.