In the heart of Kenya, in the counties of Kisii, Muranga, and Vihiga, a groundbreaking project is underway. The initiative, aptly named The Economic Viability of Kenya’s Horticulture Industry and funded by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture, seeks not just to assess the feasibility of integrating horticulture with staple crop production but to empower small-holder women farmers in the process. Fundamentally, the initiative serves as evidence of the potential of sustainable agriculture and the critical role that women play in influencing the agricultural landscape of the country.
The project’s journey began with a scoping mission, where the dedicated team from the International Center for Evaluation and Development (ICED) delved deep into the communities. Their mission is to understand the intricacies of integrating horticulture into staple crop production, especially among women small-holder farmers. During this period, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by these determined women.
During the visits, the research team explored the nuanced world of smallholder vegetable production, a domain predominantly owned and nurtured by women. Despite variations in production methods, one common thread emerged – the resilience and dedication of these women farmers. These women were not merely cultivating crops; they were sowing the seeds of change, one indigenous vegetable at a time. The benefits of integrating horticulture with staples stretch far beyond monetary gains.
Yes, income is crucial, but the project’s impact goes deeper. Nutritional value emerged as a significant benefit, manifesting in reduced hospital visits due to nutrition-related illnesses in both adults and children. These humble indigenous vegetables weren’t just sustenance; they were life-enhancers, safeguarding the health of entire communities.
The farmers, especially those practicing organic farming, highlighted another crucial aspect – environmental benefits. By embracing organic practices, they nurtured not just their crops but the very land they cultivated. Soil health was revitalized, natural pest control mechanisms strengthened, and a sense of sustainability for future generations instilled. These women weren’t just nurturing crops; they were the guardians of the earth.
The research project’s insights are stories of resiliency, determination, and hope rather than simply statistics. Not only are women cultivating the land in Kisii, Muranga, and Vihiga, but they are also planting the seeds of a sustainable future there. Additionally, it’s also about empowering women. Women should be given more authority, and a future where every vegetable, every harvest, and every empowered woman farmer would serve as a symbol of Kenya’s agricultural landscape’s tenacity should be fostered.
