Hail the Kenyan farmer

Five farmers’ groups from Kenya have been recognised for their role in promoting income diversity, youth and women participation and market access.

The five were feted during the 2013 Farmer of the Year Awards (FOYA) which are organised by the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa and the African Investment Climate Research.

Kenyan farmer shows her crops. Photo credit: Jimmy Wambua (USAID)

Kenya National Federation of Agri Producers (Kenfap) was second in the income diversity award while Naima Development, a community- based organisation which focuses on building the capacity of small-scale farmers in Bungoma north district was recognised for integrating youth and women into farming.

Owefwe Obwambami Self-Help Group which also operates in Bungoma County was recognised for increasing market access among its members. Schemers Community Based Organisation and the Hekima Horticulture Self-help Group were awarded for advocacy and governance respectively.

Dr John Mutunga of Kenfap said many farmers’ organisations were unable to sustain themselves because of insufficient funding. Kenfap raises money to support its outreach programmes among farmers.

Naima founder Albert Wafula said the group has since 2006 trained 318 women and 75 youth in banana, maize and poultry production.