Empowering Smallholder Farmers in Kahero Village Through Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Strategic Insights -

In a bid to boost food security and income sources for smallholder farmers, the Korea Programme on International Agriculture has partnered with the Kahero Village Farmers Group in Kiambu, Kenya. The Sh2 million initiative has begun to yield positive results, with the farmers benefiting from poultry and greenhouse cucumber farming. Through its Kenya Centre, Kopia has transferred expertise to local farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between Kopia and Kahero Village Farmers Group has empowered 31 smallholder farmers in Kiambu, enabling them to engage in poultry and greenhouse cucumber farming.
  • The farmers have received technical know-how, chickens, feed, and cucumber seeds from Kopia, with each member receiving five chickens at the start.
  • The partnership has led to significant income generation, with the farmers selling eggs locally at Sh15 each and cockerels for up to Sh1,200.
  • The greenhouse and poultry facilities built by Kopia are a milestone in Kahero village, and cucumber farming has huge market potential in the region.
  • The collaboration aims to strengthen the partnership and continuously improve agricultural technology, including developing crop varieties and customized farming technologies suitable for Kenya and other African regions.
  • The formation of demo fields, participation in practical applications, and evaluation of progress are integral components of the partnership between Kopia and the Kahero Village Farmers Group.
  • Dr. Eunha Yoo, director at Kopia's Rural Development Administration, emphasized the importance of climate adaptation and the need for customized farming technologies.
  • Kim Ji Gang, director of the Kopia Kenya Centre, highlighted the organization's role in supporting cultivation, marketing, and capacity-building, while the farmers provide demo fields and participate in practical applications.

Statistics:

  • The partnership involves an investment of approximately Sh2 million in two projects.
  • Each of the 31 members of the Kahero Village Farmers Group received five chickens at the start, totaling 155 chickens.
  • The farmers sell eggs locally at Sh15 each, with an average of 12 chickens per member, generating a total of Sh11,400 per week.
  • The cockerels are sold for up to Sh1,200 each, and with an average of 12 chickens per member, the farmers generate a total of Sh3,600 per week.
  • The greenhouse and poultry facilities built by Kopia in Kahero village are equipped with customized farming technologies suitable for Kenya and other African regions.

Sources:

  • The Korea Programme on International Agriculture.
  • Kopia's Rural Development Administration.
  • Kopia Kenya Centre.
  • Kahero Village Farmers Group.