Learning from the MOTHERLAND

"With MOTHERLAND, I will be able to pay the school fees for my grandkids!"

I am grateful for the incredible journey I recently embarked upon with the Siaya MOTHERLAND Team in Kenya. These past days have been nothing short of transformative, as I had the privilege of immersing myself in the lives of the local community, residing in their humble clay cabins and partaking in their traditional meals.

Every moment spent with the people of Siaya was an opportunity for meaningful connection and heartfelt conversations about MOTHERLAND and the good future we are shaping together. Their warmth, resilience, and unwavering spirit left an indelible mark on my soul.

With MOTHERLAND, we are at a critical juncture; we find ourselves on the precipice of profoundly impacting the lives of hundreds of smallholder farmers in the region. Impact, to them, means breaking free from the shackles of exclusion and gaining access to the sweet potato market that has eluded them for far too long.

Our mission is clear: to ensure that their hard work in the fields is justly compensated. With our partners Duhqa , eProd Solutions Limited , and KOAN we are tirelessly working towards securing a 20-25% higher guaranteed price for every kilo of sweet potato, significantly reducing the post-harvest losses that currently plague the community, accounting for a staggering 60% due to limited to access the market. Imagine we can reduce that to zero!

The transformative power of a decent income cannot be overstated. It serves as the foundation upon which families can build a brighter future, providing the means to send their children to school regularly and unlock a world of new opportunities. Witnessing the enthusiasm and hope in parents' eyes as they envision their children's educational journey fills me with immense joy and responsibility.

However, the impact doesn't stop there. The entire community benefits as these farmers generate a decent income and accumulate a surplus. Together, they can make informed decisions about investments in vital areas such as post-harvest infrastructure, processing facilities, and comprehensive training programs. By doing so, we create a ripple effect of value creation, enhanced market participation, and the creation of valuable local job opportunities.

But what struck me the most during my time in Siaya was the deep bond between these farmers and the land they cultivate. They understand that natur's principle of regeneration lies at the heart of their success. They embrace the principles of regenerative agriculture and recognize the importance of working hand in hand with nature. Step by step, we are implementing new value chains within a syntropic framework, ensuring that their farming practices are productive and harmonious with the environment.

I was profoundly moved when Florence, a remarkable woman I spoke with, shared her heartfelt aspirations. "With MOTHERLAND, I will be able to pay the school fees for my grandkids!" Her words encapsulate the hopes and dreams that our work embodies. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power we possess to uplift individuals like Florence and empower them to create a better future for their loved ones reaffirms my commitment to the cause.

Reflecting on my journey with the Siaya Motherland Team, I am reminded of the immense privilege bestowed upon me to be a part of this remarkable movement of MOTHERLAND?? . Together, we are shaping a future where circumstances do not confine opportunities, hard work is recognized and rewarded, and sustainability forms the bedrock of our endeavours.

I invite you to join us in this incredible journey of empowerment, collaboration, and true sustainable progress. Together, let us pave the way for a good future where every individual has the chance to thrive and contribute to a world we can all be proud of.

MOTHERLAND would also not be possible without the staggering support we receive from funders like?knodel foundation?and?Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, the people believing in us like?Phillip Tettenborn?and?Patrick Knodel, and the startup partners in Kenya hustling hard to make the market access possible like?Almut van Casteren,?Victor Maina, and?Mike Muya.

#Motherland #SiayaCommunity #EmpoweringFarmers #SustainableProgress #BrighterFuture #Regeneration #RegenAg #RegenerativeAgriculture #EmpoweringKids #WeGrowThogether