Food Security for 500 families in WestPokot Kenya

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the heart of our ongoing initiatives!

In recent months, the impact of El Niño has been strongly felt in West Pokot, affecting the livelihoods of the local population and amplifying existing challenges. Amidst this backdrop, CEFA's role in Pellow and Masol conservancies remains essential in empowering local populations, focusing on sustainable practices to support the agropastoral communities. This report provides insights into the activities undertaken to address these challenges and enhance community resilience.

Modern Beekeeping

The promotion of community empowerment is evident through our efforts to foster inclusivity, especially among women. Acknowledging the significant role women contribute to community development, we have established groups dedicated to women beekeepers.

In December, a pivotal initiative unfolded with the distribution of 75 new beehives to women beekeepers in Cheror. This was accompanied by structured beekeeping trainings that emphasized modern harvesting techniques, pest and predator control, apiary management, and honey commercialization. Additionally, hive inspection procedures were implemented to optimize productivity and ensure sustainability.

Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture and Drought-Resistant Seedlings

The agricultural sector saw developments with the distribution of 1500 mango seedlings in September, followed by an additional 1125 in November. These seedlings not only satisfy household uses but are also sold at the local and external markets.

In Masol conservancy, predominantly women-led, 15 mango farmer groups were identified and subsequently trained in routine grafting inspections, seedling care, and pest and disease management. The County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) launch event in October acknowledged CEFA's pivotal role in fostering sustainable mango tree plantation practices.

Moreover, our involvement in Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) is demonstrated through our support of 15 farmer groups, primarily led by women, totaling 225 farmers. Each participant received an NSA kit containing six distinct seed varieties: green grams, cowpeas, sorghum, capsicum, black nightshade, and spinach. The impressive germination rate exceeding 90% showcases the positive outcomes of our collaborative initiatives.

Water Points

Water conservation remains a cornerstone of our commitment to enhancing community resilience.

In September, we achieved a significant milestone with the formal registration of the Emborong Water Users Association as a Community-Based Organization (CBO). Subsequent months involved training sessions and assessments of various water points within the Masol conservancy.

Our dedication to augmenting water accessibility was further demonstrated by integrating the water harvesting system with the Honey Processing Unit's tank, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the community.

Reflecting on our activities in Pellow and Masol conservancies, there are clear indications of community resilience and empowerment stemming from our collective initiatives. Our efforts have centered around specific areas such as women's involvement in beekeeping, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, and the improvement of water accessibility. These actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to holistic community development. Moving forward, continued support will be essential as we address challenges and strive to contribute to a stable and prosperous future for the agropastoral communities.

The warmest regards,

Irene Sciurpa