Empower 220 women in Kenya with $20 for 2 chicken.

The OVACADO Widows Women Group is a registered self-help group located in  Bomet County. The group was formed  with the aim of improving the social and economic well-being of its members through collective action, financial empowerment, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. The group currently consists of 22 active members comprising 18 women, 3 youths, and 1 gentleman who work together to promote financial independence, mutual support, and improved livelihoods within their community.

The group was established with several key objectives, including promoting a culture of saving among members, enhancing access to affordable credit, improving household income through income-generating activities, strengthening unity and social support among members, and building members’ capacity through training and skills development. Through these objectives, the group seeks to empower its members economically and improve their long-term financial stability.

As part of its economic empowerment initiatives, the group has started engaging in the poultry value chain project aimed at improving income opportunities and enhancing market access for poultry products. The members had previously been practicing poultry farming on a small scale and identified a growing market opportunity for eggs within their local area. A nearby school,  has a consistent demand for eggs but currently sources its supply from distant locations despite being close to the group. This has presented an opportunity for the group to supply eggs locally and benefit from a reliable and stable market. The group also noted that supplying eggs to institutions offers better and more stable prices compared to selling individually in local markets where returns are often lower.

To support the poultry value chain initiative and ensure sustainability, the group has put in place several supportive measures. Members are currently undergoing poultry management training incorporated within the enterprise development module. The training focuses on important areas such as vaccination programs to prevent disease outbreaks, proper feeding practices to ensure optimal growth and egg production, adequate water supply, and maintaining proper hygiene standards. Emphasis has also been placed on the construction and maintenance of appropriate poultry housing structures to protect birds from harsh weather conditions, predators, and disease exposure while ensuring proper ventilation and space management. These measures are intended to improve flock health, increase egg production, reduce losses, and enable the group to meet market demand effectively and consistently.

The women are currently undergoing poultry-related training and, in the next phase of the project, they will be supported with chicks to help expand poultry production. Further updates on the chick distribution and progress of the poultry enterprise will be shared in the next report.

Looking ahead, the group plans to expand its income-generating activities, increase its savings and loan portfolio, strengthen business skills through advanced training, explore new market opportunities, and improve overall group sustainability and growth. These plans are aimed at ensuring that members continue to improve their livelihoods and achieve long-term economic empowerment.

In conclusion, the OVACADO Widows Women Group continues to demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and discipline in its journey toward economic empowerment. Through savings initiatives, enterprise development training, and the poultry value chain project, members are building pathways toward improved livelihoods and financial stability. With continued support from Hand in Hand Eastern Africa and other partners, the group is well-positioned to strengthen its poultry enterprise and achieve sustainable economic growth for its members and their households.