Cassava growing for food security in Kenya

August, 2013

Maragua Division, Kenya

Dear Friends,

One of the major causes of hunger in Kenya is the over-reliance on corn and beans as the staple foods. These are crops that cannot withstand adverse weather conditions such as drought. Our community has however successfully adopted cassava to enhance food security. The good news has spread far and wide. We recently hosted a group of researchers from the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute who wanted to know the impact that cassava has had on the food security status of our community. We showed them around and gave them a presentation on our work as well. We hope that they can learn from our experience and initiate a national program on cassava cultivation.
The attached photo shows a community member explaining how she has benefited from the crop. In front of her are young cassava tubers.

Having already left the university, I am back in the village where I am volunteering in the planning of my county's (Murang'a County) Agricultural Show, next month.

Thank you for your continued support to help us achieve food security and to spread the word about the benefits of cassava.

Michael

5/2013

Maragua Division, Kenya

Dear Friends,

Our cassava project to increase food security and improve the economic situation of my community members has continued to do well and help persons earn a better income. I want to tell you about two of my community members,  who have benefitted.

Isaac Mburu is a 22- year old young man from Murang'a. He recently joined college to study a diploma course in Mechanical Engineering. Last October, Isaac requested his parents to allow him to grow his own cassava on their land.  We offered him cuttings to plant on  a half acre plot. Isaac plans to rent a larger plot with the proceeds from his investment. He says," I am sure to make enough money to offset some of the expenses in college."  See photo of Isaac inspecting his crop.

Mrs. Ekila Wanjiku is a community member who, upon realizing the popularity that cassava products have gained in the area, opened a restaurant business that is majorly dealing with cassava based foods. Ekila sells cassava chapattis, doughnuts and porridge at her new business situated in the village market. She excitedly says, " The business is doing well and I would encourage my fellow women to set up such businesses now that we are growing cassavas in our own plots and milling is available and cheap."  See photo of Mrs. Wanjiku in her resuarant.

Kenya has recently adopted a devolved system of government with political power decentralized to the various counties. Every county government is supposed to drive development in the respective county. Murang'a  county is rural with poverty and food insecurity being some of its major challenges. We were privileged to host some of the county government officials in a visit to the project. They wanted to learn about cassava farming and its socio-economic benefits. We strive to set pace to the rest of the County in conquering poverty and food insecurity.  See photo of officials during their visit.

I am grateful to have this opportunity to help make a change in my community.  Thank you for helping us !! We feel inspire by your support.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Michael