Empowering 10 young mother at Elowai Village

As part of the Imarika Project implementation, we conducted a nutrition and balanced diet training for 10 young mothers participating in the project. The training focused on improving knowledge of healthy eating for both the mothers and their children, with emphasis on practical and affordable nutrition options.

The session covered key topics including food groups, balanced meals, child nutrition, and the importance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Practical examples using locally available foods were used to demonstrate how nutritious meals can be prepared within limited household budgets. Special attention was given to linking livestock products such as milk and eggs to improved household nutrition.

During the training, participants actively shared their feeding practices and challenges. Many expressed limited prior knowledge on child-specific nutrition and balanced meal composition. The discussion highlighted common barriers such as food affordability and seasonal availability, while also identifying opportunities to improve diets using available resources.

Overall, the training strengthened participants’ understanding of balanced nutrition and increased their confidence in making informed dietary decisions for themselves and their children, contributing to improved household health outcomes.

As part of the Imarika Project Phase II, we engaged with 10 young mothers involved in livestock keeping. These women represent the heart of their communities, balancing the demands of family life while contributing to local economies through animal husbandry. Their stories revealed both challenges and resilience, particularly in managing their livestock amid varying living conditions.

During this phase, we conducted a comprehensive baseline assessment and community engagement exercise to better understand the economic and social realities faced by these young mothers. The Msichana Imara team carried out household interviews, observed livestock shelters (bomas), assessed home environments, and visited local markets. Observations of the home environment provided valuable insight into challenges related to access to water, sanitation and general infrastructure. Market visits helped assess opportunities for income generation as well as challenges such as price fluctuations and accessibility.

Field assessments highlighted a wide range of conditions in livestock shelters, from well-maintained bomas to those exposed to harsh weather and sanitation issues. Young mothers and thier families were open and cooperative and despite limited resources, many demonstrated strong commitment to livestock care. Also, family members, particularly spouses and older men children, are the ones actively participating in animal management, as this shows the need to empower young mothers to have access and ownership of their own animals and its benefits. Additionally, some beneficiaries were already running informal businesses, demonstrating significant potential for economic growth with proper support.

These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve animal welfare and enhance the livelihoods of the mothers and their families.