Agriculture
Most residents of Saiya and Meru counties are small-scale farmers who rely on their crops for food, with little surplus to sell. The region faces extreme poverty, with 38% living below the Kenyan poverty line and child mortality rates more than twice the national average.
Farming is rain-dependent and vulnerable to droughts, floods, pests, and disease. Many struggle to afford even two meals a day (BLCP Report 2024). The work is labor-intensive, and food is often scarce between seasons. Electricity and gas engines are rare, homes are typically mud structures with tin roofs and no windows, and cooking is done outside over charcoal fires.
Despite the hardships, the communities are vibrant, supportive, and full of joy. Children play with enthusiasm and dream just like children everywhere.
You can help make a difference in five key areas:
1.School Gardens:
Since 2003, MCOH and Beyond Limitations have supported school gardens in Kenya, now feeding over 3,000 students daily across 11 schools. Students and teachers manage the gardens, learning sustainable farming techniques. Families contribute by cooking and helping maintain the gardens, even during holidays.
Despite drought and climate challenges, crop yields are improving. In 2024, Mitundu School harvested 180 kg of tomatoes and 150 kg of kale, feeding students and generating surplus income. The program boosts attendance and learning, following the motto: “A hand up, not a hand out.”
2.Community farms:
MCOH community farms in Nyawita, Mageta, and Mikinduri serve as training hubs, testing drought-tolerant crops and teaching best practices in pest control and planting. Recent trials include nightshades, kale, and tomatoes. Techniques like intercropping maize with beans and planting fruit trees are shared through “train-the-trainer” sessions, with seeds sold to support future crops.
3.Cereal Crop Production
Maize is a staple in Kenya, and with support from MCOH and BL, 60% of schools now grow and harvest it. Teachers and students are trained in proper planting, drying, and storage. This year, Mahanga Primary on Mageta Island stored 10 bags of maize, while other schools averaged four. Combined with cowpeas, four bags can feed a school for four months—mostly in the form of hearty, filling ugali (boiled maize porridge).
4. Agro-forestry
Since 2017, MCOH and BL have promoted tree planting to improve nutrition, income, and shade. Schools now grow fruit trees like papaya, mango, and avocado, along with drought-resistant trees like moringa and neem for food, medicine, and fuel.
In 2024, over 3,000 seedlings were started, but drought and limited water meant only a third survived. Expanding irrigation and shade netting is now a top priority.
5.Community groups
MCOH and Beyond Limitations support six farming groups in Siaya County with training, crop advice, and bookkeeping. Farmers face drought, pests, and disease but receive help improving yields, especially with beans, poultry, and vegetables.
A thriving microloan program has boosted income, with poultry farming helping families afford food and school fees. In Nyawita, caregivers benefit from intercropping maize with beans and raising chickens, and are excited about new income from sisal crafting.