(KENYA) Agricultural and Small Animal Livestock Production: Ndeiya Food Security Program in Mt. Kenya. One of the common oversights found in agricultural and food security interventions in developing countries is a focus on productivity that doesn’t take into consideration post-harvest management, marketing and/or value-addition practices. Even though agricultural and livestock production might be plentiful at harvest time, ignoring these additional considerations over the long term can keep communities cash-strapped and ultimately hamper improvements to the livelihoods of farmers and their families.

One of the common oversights found in agricultural and food security interventions in developing countries is a focus on productivity that doesn’t take into consideration post-harvest management, marketing and/or value-addition practices. Even though agricultural and livestock production might be plentiful at harvest time, ignoring these additional considerations over the long term can keep communities cash-strapped and ultimately hamper improvements to the livelihoods of farmers and their families.

One of the main goals of the Ndeiya food security program, other than producing increased and better quality agricultural produce through conservation agriculture practices, is the increased rearing and utilization of small animal products for food and income by the participating households.

“I can make at least double the profit than selling the rabbits as I did before.”

One of the participants of the Ndeiya program recently invited me to taste a fried rabbit dish he proudly cooked and served to me. He told me that instead of selling the rabbit meat to a processing company or trader, he and his family decided to use the rabbits they are rearing for food and add value to their project by slaughtering and frying the rabbit meat to sell to passersby as a small extra business.

“I can make at least double the profit than selling the rabbits as I did before,” the farmer said. Other products that farmers are using to add value to their activities include making soap products from potatoes they grow and selling their own honey from beehives they have acquired. World Renew partner staff from Anglican Development Services of Mt. Kenya are contributing to this project by training community groups about value addition and developing better marketing strategies.

Their ultimate hope is that people involved in the program will be able to not only acquire micro-business skills, but also improve their lives by making more profit from their agricultural efforts.

Prayers

• As the project team on the ground goes into full implementation, please pray with us that they will have the zeal and strength to reach people in transformative ways and provide crucial coaching to the community workers.
• We also ask for prayers for the team’s health and protection. In 2013 we experienced some staff motorbike injuries. The terrain is rough and some areas are hard to reach.
• The officers are also faced with the challenge of wildlife and poor communication networks.
• We are also trusting God for good weather that will enable the crops to grow and lead to a successful project.

Stephan Lutz

Program Consultant
World Renew Kenya