Enable 1500 Kenyan Rural Farmers for Agribusiness

Pamela Aoko Amos, a 65-year-old widow, faces the daily challenge of providing for her five children, two of whom are still in school. With limited resources, the family often struggled to afford three decent meals a day, relying heavily on the uncertain support of well-wishers to secure even one meal. Pamela’s only source of income came from occasional labor, which was physically demanding and inconsistent, especially for someone her age.

When Pamela learned about The Mango Tree – Our Land, Our Lives project, she saw an opportunity to change her circumstances. Recognizing the difficulties faced by many families in her village, including her own, in accessing fresh vegetables due to high prices and scarce supply, Pamela eagerly joined the organic vegetable kitchen gardening group. She attended every practical session with a keen interest, determined to break free from the cycle of food insecurity. Her engagement with facilitators and willingness to learn new skills underscored her commitment to improving her family’s situation.

After completing the training and receiving support to build a garden tower, Pamela became one of the first participants to set up her vegetable garden, even during a harsh dry spell. As of the reporting period, Pamela’s garden is thriving, providing her family with a steady supply of fresh vegetables. She no longer struggles to put healthy food on the table. She can sell surplus produce, generate enough income to cover school fees, purchase uniforms, and meet other household needs.

"I never knew I could produce such nice vegetables on my rocky land with very little water and in such a small space," Pamela reflects. "I lack the words to express my gratitude to the project. It has been years of struggle for food, but I am a light to my fellow widows today. They come to me for advice, and I am happy to share my knowledge and skills in kitchen gardening. Even my in-laws now respect me because, in my village, I am the only one producing fresh vegetables during the dry season."