Food Security Kenya Project #48082

Seedlings & Soap: Promoting Food Security in Kenya

by East African Children's Fund

Project Report | Jan 21, 2022
Building Community During COVID-19

By Lisa Peracchio | Executive Director

Growing sweet peppers

FOOD. HEALTH. OPPORTUNITY.

Dear Valued Partner:

First, we sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are well.

Thank you for making a difference to women's communities in rural Kenya. You've made this possible:

1,500 women from Meru and Isiolo counties in rural Kenya grow food for their families at community gardens and their own kitchen gardens. All the women support children with the average at 5 per household.
Recent harvests include spinach, onions, sweet peppers and tomatoes. Health care in rural Kenya is achieved by proper and adequate nutrition.
Most of the food that is grown is consumed by the women's families. However, about 15% of the women sell some of their harvests to generate small income.

Challenges:

Irrigation: All women rely on rain to water their gardens or they search for water from any left over at home or from a local stream.
COVID continues to negatively impact family finances. Most women report that they have lost their jobs as day workers. All the women contribute to the family finances with 64% being the sole wage earner.

Overcoming Adversity:

Finally, the women participants share that they are finding ways to work together in community groups to lift each other during COVID by creating small enterprises, such as making face masks.

They thank you for your support and hope that the program continues.

Thank you for making this possible! Wishing you continued good health.

With sincere gratitude,

East African Children’s Fund

Harvest of seedlings and plants

Tomato seedlings

Carrying plants for home gardens

Tomato plants

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