Empowering Kenya's Groundbreakers: Greenforest Foods Peanut Project Cultivates Prosperity for Small-Scale Farmers

The AgriFi Kenya Challenge fund was a European Union Initiative to support productive and market integrated smallholder agriculture through the provision of financial support to Agri-enterprises. AgriFi aim was to improve the capacity of smallholder farmers/pastoralists to practice environmentally sustainable and climate–smart agriculture as a business in inclusive value chains. The Challenge Fund was funded by the European Union and co-funded by Slovak Aid. Self Help Africa and Imani Development Limited were the Challenge Fund Managers.

Greenforest Foods Limited was in charge of executing and implementing this project in the counties of Baringo (Barwessa and Marigat/Emining wards) and Elgeyo Marakwet (Kapkayo and Arror wards). The project was a groundnuts value chain project under under “Agri-Fi Kenya Challenge Fund-project, an action funded by European Union and Slovak Aid-donors and Co-financed by Green forest Foods Limited under the KILIMO-Value chain: Kenyan Initiative for Long-term Integration of Market Operators in Value Chains. The project targeted 2,000 farmers in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties with whom contracts were signed.

Greenforest Foods Limited developed a short training program in partnership with other stake holders and the county agricultural offices to provide Ground Nuts farmers and the specific farmers with insights into essentials areas of sustainable Agri-enterprise development. The aim of the program was to educate the farmers on the following key areas;

1. Land ownership for Groundnuts farming
2. Different types of soil for Groundnuts farming
3. Effective and Appropriate use of Herbicides
4. How to control weeds in Groundnuts farming
5. How to store Groundnuts after harvest i.e. Sun-drying
6. Testing the soil for aflatoxin
7. How to sell their produce
8. Planting cycles

Taking into consideration the audience background training was through the use of factual presentation and discussions, the presentations used during the session were based on the necessity of comprehensive farming education. The facilitation methods included;

1. Illustrated presentations
2. Plenary sessions
3. Group Discussions
4. Case studies
5. Take home Assignments through group work for each day
6. Coaching and skills practice

The sessions enhanced knowledge on best farming practices on groundnuts production and correct any misconceptions that have been there in the past. This exercise greatly informed all present on the appropriate methods which would put them at the forefront of Agri-tech.

Exercises conducted throughout the training ensured equal representation of both male and female. The training had male and female youths who were looking to embrace farming as a venture and as an income generating activity. Understanding the background and cultural context when teaching was key, as participants represented a cross section of communities that did not openly discuss aspects of their past experience on farming methodology

The training led by Greenforest Foods Limited in conjunction with its shareholders achieved its desired results. Where all the participating selected farmers were provided with materials and formed groups, that were interim as they awaited their certificates from the ministry. This was to ensure that in the future it would be easier for them to secure funding when it came to growth and bargain power.

The participants displayed a real eagerness to learn and willingness to challenge themselves to address their own inadequacies. The skills which were exhibited during the training, saw an understanding of core principles that led to us believing that in their respective communities it would lead to increased plantation of nuts services for farmers and overall reduction in negative attitudes towards agribusiness in the two counties.

As we reflect on the journey of growth and prosperity, it's evident that through dedication and innovation, the project not only nurtured fields but also sown seeds of hope for a brighter, more sustainable future for Kenyan farmers. We would also like to give a big thanks to European Union , Imani Development Limited, Self Help Africa and Slovak Aid for supporting our project.