The impact of knowledge access at Ng'arua Maarifa centre

By Bob Aston

The Ng’arua Maarifa centre played host to an official of Institute of Development Studies (IDS) on November 25, 2014. The field visit enabled Mr. Jon Gregson to interact with some of the Maarifa centre beneficiaries and also to learn how knowledge access at the Maarifa centre has helped community members. He was accompanied by Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) project officer Miss Esther Lung’ahi.

Mr. Gregson was particularly interested in learning how knowledge access from the Maarifa Centre has helped to address community local issues. He was informed that the Maarifa Centre serves an average of 26,000 people per year through provision of various services that include; Library services, internet access, advisory services, online market information, SOKO+, Farm Records Management Information System (FARMIS), E-Government services, ICT Training, Citizen Journalism Training, Multimedia content, publications like Joto Africa and Baobab and knowledge sharing on Natural Resources Management (NRM) and Sustainable Land Management (SLM).

Mr. Gregson interviewing ALIN's Miss Esther Lung'ahi

 Mr. Samuel Nyaga narrated how he was trained on ICT skills at the Maarifa centre and how the knowledge that he got has helped him in accessing information at the Centre. He said that the Joto Africa publication helped him to learn a lot about climate change and as a result of that he is now using custor oil burner to mitigate against the effects of climate change.

“I was also able to learn about Stevia and chick peas by using internet at the Maarifa Centre. This resulted in me being linked with Pure Circle Kenya Ltd and a professor from Egerton University. I have now planted both crops,” said Mr. Nyaga.

Similarly, Mr. Victor Gachigi narrated how the information that he has been receiving at the Maarifa Centre has helped him as a farmer and in broadening his skills in card design and drawing. He said that he is currently doing an online study at the Maarifa centre on canvas painting which he expects will improve his knowledge once he clears the course.

Mr. Gachigi also touched on Sokopepe trainings which he has received at the Maarifa centre. He said that he has been getting market information and he is also able to use SOKO+ sms query services to inquire about market prices and look for farming tips.

Mrs. Veronica Kemunto talked about the challenges that most farmers used to face before ALIN initiated the formation of Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative Society. She said that the formation of the co-operative has been a blessing to most farmers in the area and they now intend to expand and serve the whole of Laikipia County.

” We used to have a big problem with access to certified seeds, fertilizer and lack of market. Most of the times our yields used to be very low yet we were still being exploited by middlemen. The cooperative and Sokopepe has now addressed this challenges,” said Mrs. Kemunto.

She said that through various trainings organized by the ALIN and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries they have been able to improve their farming activities and have also been able to learn about the importance of soil analysis. Most of the cooperative members were also able to have their soil analysed.

She noted that the demonstration farms established by ALIN, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries together with Kenya Seed Company Ltd also provided an opportunity for farmers to learn about good agricultural practices.

Mr. Gregson being shown tangerine by Mr. Kiarahu

The visit culminated in a field visit at Mr. Francis Kiarahu’s farm, a long time user of the Maarifa Centre. This was preceded by as short visit to the office and store of Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative Society.

Mr. Kiarahu showed the visitor how he has been applying the knowledge that he has been receiving to improve his farm. He said that the effect of climate change has not affected him much as he has planted drought resistant crops.

He showed Mr. Gregson his FARMIS-Kenya farm book and how he has been filling the book. He noted that the various field days, open days and seminars organized by ALIN has helped him to acquire invaluable knowledge and as a result he has also been able to share knowledge with other farmers and as well as training more than 400 farmers on what he has been learning

The IDS Knowledge Services has been supporting the production of Joto Afrika by ALIN up to 2011. Joto Afrika, meaning “Africa is feeling the heat’ in Kiswahili is a series of printed briefings and online resources about adapting to climate change in sub- Saharan Africa. The series helps people understand the issues, constrains and opportunities that poor people face in adapting to climate change and escaping poverty.

Meru County department of agriculture hosts KFIE Technical Team

By Martin Murangiri

The Kenya Feed the Future Innovation Engine (KFIE) on November 20, 2014 held a meeting with Meru County department of Agriculture to inform the county government about the various projects that it is overseeing in the county. The meeting which was attended by among others Meru County Deputy Agriculture officer and KFIE head of Monitoring and Evaluation also served as a platform for introducing innovation groups to the County government.

Deputy County Director of Agriculture Mr. Kaburu represented the County Executive for Agriculture while Prof. Mutuku Kavoi, KFIE head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mrs. Susan Nkirote and Mr. Victor Kimathi Mirori represented KFIE.

The innovation groups present during the meeting included; Lachlan, Real IPM, Quest Agriculture and Farm Records Management Information System (FARMIS-Kenya)

Real IPM in partnership with the University of Nairobi is developing a biological control of fruit flies in mangoes. The project is being undertaken in two farms in South Imenti. Lachlan has come up with a technology dubbed “Viazi power” that aims to increase potato production among small scale farmers.

Quest Agriculture has come up with an innovation that is helping farmers test and get their soil composition results within thirty five minutes. Initially farmers used to get their soil composition results after three months. They are using a portable kit which is carried to the farm when doing the testing.

Farmer in Laikipia County being shown how FARMIS works

FARMIS-Kenya is an innovation that helps farmers acquire new management skills in their farms. It is a farm management and diagnostic tool based on the use of farm records aimed at identifying productivity trends, profitability of different farm enterprises and producing evidence for use in decision making at the farm, County and National levels.

FARMIS-Kenya has Production Information Agents (PIAs) who have been provided with smart phones for digitizing farmer’s records. The PIAs goes round the farmers’ farm helping them to keep records of the expenses they have incurred on their farms as well as the crop enterprises. All these data is entered in the Farm Book which is also saved in a web site that is supported by a powerful and secure server.

By the end of the season the farmer is given a statement outlining the margin losses and profits he/she has made on the farm. With this, the farmer is able to make decision on the crop enterprise to concentrate on. Also, the farmer is advised on where to improve on his/her farm.

FARMIS-Kenya is operating in South Imenti, North Imenti, Central Imenti, Buuri and some part of Tigania in Meru County.

The KFIE is an initiative of Land O’ Lakes which it manages on behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Innovations represented are helping farmers in terms of improving production, reducing the cost of production through coming up with means of curbing crop diseases, market linkages and new management skills.

Earthoil staff capacity built on Internal Control System (ICS)

By Teresa Ndirangu

The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) through support from the United Nations Development Program Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (UNDP GEF SGP) organized a one (1) day training on Internal Control System (ICS) on October 17, 2014 at Old House Nanyuki, Laikipia County for seven (five male and two female) staff members of Earthoil Company Ltd.

Earthoil Company Limited works with smallholder farmers in Nanyuki. They promote production of organic Tea Tree by contracting farmers. The organization staff members are required by Organic Standard to be trained annually on issues concerning organic certification.

Mr. Jack Juma and Mrs. Teresa Ndirangu from KOAN took the Earthoil staff members through different areas that need critical attention for organic certification. Some of the areas covered included; documentation needed in each farmers file and how it should be organized, planning for inspections especially when starting a new round of inspections, documents to bring for inspections and informing farmers of inspection.

Other issues covered included; inspecting mostly non compliant farmers, sanctions to give, tips for an effective internal inspection and documents to fill or update during and after inspection.

They were also trained on how they can plan for extension visits, purpose of extension visits, what to do during such visits and the duration that it should take to come up with inspection documents. They were also taken through buffer-zone around organic plots, what other projects do and the easy way to fulfill such requirements.

Earthoil staff members noted after the training on the need to improve on farm diaries to farmers’ record keeping.

Some of the issues agreed upon after the capacity building training included; starting random inspections by the manager, consolidation of internal inspection days so as to increase number of extension days, Integrating gender issues in the day to day work of the organization, properly planning for last internal inspections after knowing when the external inspection will take place, to standardize about the buffer zones and to be inviting KOAN during audit times as observers.

Empowering women through GROOTS Kenya

By Bob Aston

Women empowerment has been cited as one of the ways of uplifting the livelihood of most families in Kenya. Ensuring that grassroots women are fully involved in development processes and decision making can play a big role in promoting women leadership in the country.

The lack of visibility of grassroots women in decision making processes that directly affect their lives and their communities led to the formation of Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS International). The organization which was founded in 1995 after the fourth UN conference on women in Beijing China seeks to give voice and power to grassroots women’s local visions and initiatives.

Mrs. Margaret Mwangi, GROOTS Kenya, Laikipia West sub county coordinator said that they work to develop poor rural and urban communities and empower women through valuing their work and creating opportunities for them. She said that they do this by focusing attention on the work and expertise of grassroots women through peer learning processes.

She said that their main goals include; strengthening women’s participation in the development of communities, supporting urban and rural grassroots women’s groups to identify and share their successful practices, focusing international attention on grassroots women’s needs and abilities and increasing the opportunities for grassroots women’s groups to network directly across countries.

“We are striving to build the capacity of grassroots women to take leadership roles in their communities. This is accomplished through advocacy, trainings and mentorship, “said Mrs. Mwangi.

GROOTS Kenya advances the knowledge of grassroots women and champions them as experts in order to influence policies and programs related to community development to engage grassroots women in decision making processes.

She said that GROOTS Kenya also provides as many opportunities as possible for women and girls to experience and participate in national and international forums on topics and issues that directly affect their lives.

“We are trying to ensure that grassroots women are masters of their own destiny through their direct participation in decision making processes,” said Mrs. Mwangi.

GROOTS Kenya currently has a membership of over 2,000 community based organizations and self help groups that are working to ensure that grassroots women are at the forefront of community change.

 She said that they are currently in the process of developing a County newsletter in Kakamega, Laikipia and Kiambu to celebrate, showcase, track and inspire other grassroots women to organize around the transformational development agenda.

“We are going to work with selected champions to document inspirational stories that have resulted from their work since 2008. This will be an opportunity for the selected champions to be trained on how to write professionally and also to celebrate their work,” said Mrs. Mwangi.

She said that grassroots champions are proving their capacity to serve as knowledgeable resources in their communities through the various projects that they are undertaking. She said that relationships within GROOTS Kenya provide women leaders with an opportunity to learn and share information pertinent to their work.

The importance of biodiversity conservation

Source: Laikipia Mali Asili

The more types of plant and animals present in the environment, the healthier that environment is for both human and animal populations. The variety of animal and plant types, which is referred to as biodiversity, is reduced when conditions develop that make it impossible for some species to survive. Such conditions can be created by excessive use of chemicals aimed at killing weeds or pests, which also end up killing species that are beneficial to human beings, animals and agricultural crops.

These beneficial species include bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators. Within Laikipia County, there are a number of Projects focusing on promotion of biodiversity in different ways.

Section of rehabilitated forest in Laikipia

Maintaining high levels of biodiversity has many benefits. For example, elimination of harmful chemicals results in increase of pollinators such as bees and other useful insects. This enables more people to get involved in activities relying on some of them such as bee keeping (apiary) for income. The quality of trees and other vegetation also improves because pollination ensures the production of better adapted varieties of plants.

It is important to note that biodiversity refers not only to plants and animals available in our surroundings but also organisms that live in the soil such as earthworms and even micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi. These microbes aid in the decomposition of plant materials to release useful nutrients for plants.

Another factor that is threatening biodiversity is climate change. Climate change is the significant change of the average temperatures over period longer than 30 years, causing changes in weather patterns and a (slow) rise in sea level, among other impacts. According to the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), key climate change impacts for Kenya are drought and water scarcity, flooding and sea-level rise.

Research suggests that temperatures will continue to increase, and the frequency of hot days and nights will rise. Precipitation is expected to increase in some areas, with the largest rise in rainfall occurring in the highland and coastal regions.

However, the greater part of the country comprising the arid and semi-arid regions is expected to become significantly drier. When climate patterns change, it is expected that plants and animals species which only survives on cooler regions will disappear while new species suited to warmer climates will replace them.

Laikipia Mali Asili is a voice for people promoting sustainable land management practices in Laikipia County. You can download a copy of Laikipia Mali Asili newsletter here

Matwiku Horticulture Group trained on Climate Smart Agriculture

By Noah Lusaka and Bob Aston

The Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) in collaboration with SunCulture Company trained Matwiku farmers on installation and management of a drip irrigation system as a practice that enhances climate smart agriculture. The project that is funded by Act Change Transform (Act!)  aims to strengthen communities’ resilience to impacts of climate change while conserving natural resources in Laikipia County.

The members laying out the water piping system

Climate smart agriculture entails reducing emissions at the farm level, conserving natural resources like soils and water while increasing nutritious food production at household level and at the same time increasing family incomes.

The unique project is implemented by Matwiku Horticulture Growers self help group in Ng’arua, Lakipia West. The group was formed in January 2014 to champion the interests of farmers in Matwiku village. The group comprises 22 members, nineteen male and three female.

The members of the group attended a five (5) days capacity building training on climate smart agriculture, drip irrigation installation and water harvesting technologies from 14th to 18th November 2014.

The group availed a one acre piece of land for setting up the demonstration where they plan to plant tomatoes and capsicum.

The training process

Twenty seven (27) participants attended the five days training on installation of drip irrigation and management of the system. The process involved erecting a water tank stand with an elevation of three (3) metres above the ground. This will ensure there is enough pressure for water to irrigate one acre. The project procured a water tank for the group with capacity of 5000 litres. Using the drip irrigation system, less water is used per acre since the water targets the root zone of the crops.

The participants were trained on setting up the system that involved digging trenches to lay out the water piping system. The one acre farm was subdivided into 8 smaller plots and each plot installed with a gate valve for controlling water during irrigation.

 The drip irrigation tapes were then connected to the water pipes and laid throughout the one acre piece of land where one raised bed had two drip tapes. The final stage involved mounting the water storage tank to the stand and connecting the water supply system.

The members connecting drip tapes

To ensure that the drip tapes do not clog, a water filter was fixed at the tank outlet. The participants learned that it is important to check and clean the filter regularly to ensure smooth water supply to the farm. To test the drip irrigation system, the storage tank was filled with water and each of the eight farm units opened at intervals for water to drip and wet the soil. The participants learned that the crops have to be planted at the wetted spots.

The Many benefits of drip irrigation

The participants learned the many benefits of using drip irrigation that includes; reduced work load in the farm, conservation of water resources, minimal soil erosion, ability to use liquid manures, uniformity in crops grown, energy conservation and reduction of emissions since less fuel is used, leaching and nutrients loss is reduced and fewer weeds.

Farmer Experiences with other irrigation systems

Furrow and basin irrigation are two of the most widely used types of irrigation in Matwiku prior to introduction of drip irrigation.

Raphael Wa Mutito, 18 years old who attended the five (5) days capacity building training, narrated how they usually spend six (6) to eight (8) hours irrigating a one (1) acre piece of land using  furrow irrigation. The water source is a natural pond about 20 metres away from the farm.

He said that they usually spend at least six (6) litres of petrol to pump water for irrigating one acre.  A litre of petrol costs Ksh 108/= in the area, therefore farmers incur a cost of ksh 648/= every time they irrigate. Most farmers irrigate their farms twice per week therefore spending Ksh 1,296/= . After three months when they harvest horticulture products they usually spend over Ksh 15,552/= on fuel for irrigation alone.

Members preparing to place the water tank on the erected water tank stand

Raphael was particularly impressed with the duration that it will take to irrigate land under drip irrigation. He learned that with drip irrigation system, a farmer will spend less than one (1) hour irrigating one acre piece of land and use 0.5 litres of fuel to fill the 5000 litre water tank.

The 6 litres that they are currently spending per day can now be used to pump 60,000 litres of water. This signifies a drastic reduction in fuel costs and in the long run a reduction of emissions.

“I am now able to train other farmers on drip irrigation installation. The training has really benefited me. I hope that soon I will be able to buy my own drip irrigation kit,” said Raphael.

Matwiku group’s vision

Mr. Peter Gicheru, Secretary, Matwiku Horticulture Growers Self Help Group said that the drip irrigation will help the group minimize the time that they take to irrigate their farms.

 “We hope that our revolving fund will go faster so that we can install drip irrigation for all members of the group. Members are really excited with this project. We expect that other farmers will also be able to benefit from what we have learned,” said Gicheru.

The drip irrigation system makes it cheaper and easier for farmers to grow crops throughout the year without feeling the burden of climate change. The participants appreciated the system noting that the system is efficient and will enable them undertake other productive activities off the farm. They will be able to produce food throughout the year without relying on rainfall.

Conserving Laikipia’s Landscapes

By Anthony Mugo

The Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) is pleased to present the first issue of Laikipia Mali Asili newsletter. Contributors to this Newsletter are mainly partners working in Laikipia County under a project sponsored by United Nations Development Program under its Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (UNDP GEF SGP).

Production of the newsletter is coordinated by ALIN. One of the key approaches being used to conserve biodiversity in Laikipia County is to promote the cultivation of forest trees that bear useful products for humans and animals.

One such tree is Tea tree, whose production is being promoted by the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) within the environs of Nanyuki Municipality. Noah Lusaka’s feature on this subject sheds light on Tea tree cultivation.

In this inaugural issue of Laikipia Mali Asili, we have carried brief reports about organizations working in partnership with UNDP GEF SGP and the main activities in which they are engaged. Laikipia Mali Asili will be one of the main platforms through which these projects will be sharing information and learning.

For the children, a Children’s Corner has been set aside. Read powerful poems and other contributions by children who have shown amazing commitment towards caring for the environment.  We welcome your feedback in form of Letters to the Editor.

The next issue of Laikipia Mali Asili will focus on the theme Water Resources and Sustainable Land Management. Degradation of the environment particularly deforestation leads to destruction of water catchment sites.

Laikipia Mali Asili welcomes articles on this topic and other material such as cartoons, puzzles, crosswords, poems and jokes. Articles should be no more than 600 words. They should be accompanied by good pictures of at least 3 MB in Jpeg format and with descriptive captions. Send contributions to laikipiamaliasili@alin.net and copy to elungahi@alin.net.

You can download a copy of Laikipia Mali Asili here.

Njorua groups receive carbon credit money from TIST

By James Mwangi

The international small group tree planting program (TIST) on November 12, 2014 disbursed carbon credit payment vouchers to Njorua cluster members at Kiwanja Primary School, Laikipia West. The ceremony which was graced by TIST quantifier, TIST Trainer as well as Njorua cluster leaders saw more than eighty thousand shillings (Ksh 80,000) disbursed to various groups.

Speaking during the function, Mr. David Thuku, TIST quantifier, reminded the Njorua cluster members that they should always note their group name and TIST number. He said that groups must always be represented by at least three members and each group must have a permanent Safaricom number upon which payments are to be made.

TIST Njorua cluster members during the meeting

“All TIST members should attend all the meetings held every month for training. It is also necessary that each group attains a minimum of 5000 trees planted at a spacing of 2m by 2m,” said Mr. Joseph Muthee, TIST trainer.

Carbon credit policy works on paying farmers for the seedlings they have planted. The farmers are expected to have formed a group and dully registered with TIST International.

Disbursement of carbon credit money is normally done on a quarterly basis and is disbursed through Safaricom M-Pesa money transfer. Later members receive their dues as tabulated in the voucher breakdown.

After verification and quantification of the group member’s trees they were then issued with sharing forms that were to guide them on how the payments were to be shared among the group members.

“If you encourage more people to join TIST, then you will have enough number of groups to form a cluster thus TIST services such as tree counting will be closer to you,” said Mr. Thuku.

Mr. Wilson Kinyanjui, Chairman TIST Njorua cluster, reminded the members of the need to have Githiga ward membership card. He said that they intend to help patients suffering from diabetes, arthritis and hypertension get medication at subsidized charges.

“Many people are at home suffering because they cannot afford to buy medicine. But if we come together as a group we will be able to get help from well wishers and also the government,” said Mr. Kinyanjui.

Cluster members were also reminded of their Merry-go-round initiative. Members are to contribute by paying fifty shillings (Ksh 50) upon which they then vote and each winner is issued with Ksh 400.

“The main aim of the merry-go-round is to bring TIST members together. This is because there are many issues which affect our daily lives and they would be easy to handle if we assist each other. Our aim is not the Ksh 400,” said Mr. Willian Mwangi.

TIST started its operations in Laikipia in 2008. It empowers small groups of subsistence farmers to reverse the devastating effects of deforestation, drought, and famine.

Laikipia Co-operative begins process of recruiting a cooperative manager

By Bob Aston

Laikipia Produce and Marketing Cooperative Society serves farmers in Lakipia. It is a vehicle for bulking, marketing and trading in farm commodities and other products and services. Membership to the Cooperative is open to all.

The Cooperative is looking for a Cooperative Manager to manage its affairs on daily basis and to steer it to achieve its vision of building wealth for its members. Reporting to the Cooperative’s Management Board, the right candidate will meet the following criteria.

QUALIFICATIONS

• ·      Diploma in: agribusiness/farm management; economics; business management; cooperative management; community development; business development or related field.
• ·         KCSE minimum grade C-Plain
• ·         Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Word, Ms Excel, Ms PowerPoint and Internet and E-mail)
• ·         Good communication, report writing and presentation skills
• ·         Fluent in Kiswahili and English. Knowledge of the local language will be an added advantage

JOB DESCRIPTION/DUTIES

• ·         Record keeping/analysis
• ·         Sales and Marketing
• ·         Strategizing for mobilization of farmers to join the cooperative
• ·         Resource mobilization
• ·         Report Writing (financial and donor reports)
• ·         Manage the business of the co-operative
• ·         Advisor to the board
• ·         Outreach and networking with other key stakeholders

TO APPLY;

Please send a cover letter and detailed updated CV including day time phone number, an e-mail address and three professional references with telephone numbers to laikipiaproducecoop@gmail.com before November 28, 2014 at 5:00 pm.

The Cooperative welcomes applications from qualified women and men. If you do NOT hear from the co-operative after one month of application, please consider your application unsuccessful.

You can download a copy of the advert here

SNV kicks of capacity building partnership with Laikipia cooperative

By Anthony Mugo

On November 12, 2014 during a meeting held at Sipili Township, Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) formally began a process aimed at building the capacity of Laikipia Produce and Marketing Cooperative Society (LP&MCS) towards becoming an effective Grain Marketing Hub.

David Makongo from SNV presenting office equipments to the cooperative chairman

This was a follow up activity to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during which the cooperative was appointed to become a grain marketing hub (GMH), under SNV’s Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP).

Among the commitments made by SNV to the cooperative, which was formed and registered recently with support of Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN), were the following: Support of the cooperative to appoint a full time manager for six months (during the meeting, a job description for the manager was developed in a participatory session involving SNV, ALIN and the Committee members of the LP&MCS) and commitment to support the cooperative to revise and finalise its existing Business Plan.

The SNV also committed itself in provision of office equipment (a laptop computer and a printer) to facilitate efficient running of the cooperative’s work and to support for other allied capacity building needs for the co-operative through training, linkages with markets and input service providers as well as hands on coaching on sound business management.

On its part, ALIN committed to supporting the cooperative by availing Information and communication technology (ICT) services through the Ng’arua Maarifa Centre, supporting farmers to keep accurate farm records and where possible, support the cooperative to implement prioritised capacity building areas identified in an earlier capacity assessment exercise.

Anthony Mugo from ALIN presenting the company seal to the cooperative chairman

At the meeting, ALIN presented a Company Seal that the organisation had helped the cooperative to secure. The seal is a requirement for the cooperative to enable diversification of their business and services to members through establishment of a Bank Agency Service (in partnership with the cooperative bank) and mobile money transfer services.

ALIN has also supported the cooperative in branding: design and production of a company logo and banners. The cooperative is being supported by ALIN to secure a company Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Kenya Revenue Authority.

On their part, the cooperatives members, through their Chairman, Mr. Kanja Waweru indicated they will move to work closely with a counterpart farmers’ self-help group based in Timau, which is also an SNV Grain Marketing Hub partner.

Specifically, they indicated they would explore how they can be sourcing agricultural commodities abundant in Timau, Meru County namely bananas and potatoes for sale at Sipili. On their part, the Timau group will be sourcing maize from Sipili to ensure sustainable partnership and thriving business operation for both the farmer owned organisations.

Laikipia Co-operative signs partnership with SNV to become a Grain Business Hub

By Anthony Mugo

The Laikipia Produce and Marketing cooperative society that has emerged from the work undertaken by Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) with the support of the Ford Foundation’s Expanding Livelihoods for Poor Households Initiative (ELOPHI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) on September 19, 2014 to become a Grain Marketing Hub (GMH). The signing ceremony was held in Timau, hosted by another farmers’ group that was being similarly recognised.

Anthony Mugo from ALIN addressing the cooperative committee members

This is in the context of SNV’s Home-Based School Feeding Programme (HBSFP). A Business Marketing Hub is a business characterised amalgamation of supportive business/services linked to the grain business that enables an organisation to trade in grains efficiently, effectively and sustainably. This ensures grain suppliers (farmers) access goods and services through check off system.

The milestone development was the culmination of work with farmers from Laikipia West who have been beneficiaries of ALIN’s Ng’arua Maarifa Centres services for about seven years. The farmer’s organisation work though began in 2011.

It aimed to get farmers to work together both in enhancing production and in marketing their produce. The bid by ALIN to support farmers’ organisation was a response to evidently high levels of exploitation they suffered through the hands of brokers.

It took time and much discussion for farmers to settle for a cooperative as the best organ of supporting them to access fair markets through bulking of grain and getting into trade in farm inputs among other services. The cooperative was registered in June 2013 with support of ALIN.

The linkage with SNV resulted from outreach and networking activities by the cooperative’s leaders without the involvement of ALIN, an outcome that underscores the importance of partnerships built with the ultimate objective of achieving sustainability and independence of farmer-led organisations.

David Makongo from SNV addressing the cooperative committee members

On its part, SNV expressed a desire to work with the cooperative because it had managed to establish grain banking and trading systems within a short time with resources mobilised locally from farmers themselves.

Impressively, more than Kshs. 6 million had been exchanged though trade by the cooperative over the period July 2013 and March 2014. Mutually beneficial partnerships had also been formed with two key input suppliers: Kenya Seed Company (seeds) and MEA (fertiliser).

The SNV therefore considered Cooperative a suitable partner to integrate in its ongoing Home Grown School Feeding Programme, which will enhance the Cooperative’s access to structured markets, starting with supplying grains to primary schools within Laikipia West.

Laikipia County minister holds meeting with Ol-Moran stakeholders

By Bob Aston

The Laikipia County Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries development, Hon Duncan Mwariri together with four (4) chief county officers on November 6, 2014 attended a stakeholders meeting at Ng’arua Maarifa Centre, Laikipia West.

Hon Mwariri addressing the stakeholders

The county chief’s officers present represented the following county ministries; County Treasury and Economic Planning, Water, Environment and Natural Resources Management, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise Development and Education, gender, youth, sports and ICT. Also present was the County administration, public service and security officer and Ol-Moran Ward administrator.

The stakeholders meeting enabled the County Minister to learn the various challenges faced by people from Ol-Moran ward and how such problems can be prioritized.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon Mwariri said that the County government is keen on ensuring there is food security in the county. He urged farmers to work closely with extension officers in order to adopt best farming practices.

He urged farmers to diversify to fruit farming in order to ensure continuous farming even during drought.  Responding to stakeholders concern about difficulty in accessing subsidized government fertilizer, Hon Mwariri said that the county government will ensure that they transport the subsidized government fertilizer for farmers free of charge. He said that this could only be possible when farmers join groups.

He urged farmers to increase volume of their produce and also bulk produce in order to enjoy economies of scale.

“There are various enterprise funds that have been set up to assist farmers. Farmers can only benefit from such funds when they form groups,” said Hon Mwariri.

Stakeholders following proceedings during the meeting

He stressed on the importance of public-private partnership in stimulating development. He assured the stakeholders that their grievances would be addressed by the various county ministries.

Leaders gave an overview of some of the challenges faced in the ward. Some of the issues raised included; difficulty in accessing government subsidized fertilizer, frequent power failures, poor drainage facilities, scarcity of water, lack of waste disposal facilities, poor road network particularly from Kinamba to Sipili and lack of a sewerage system.

The stakeholders’ meeting was held after a field visit whereby the county Minister and the chief officers visited various projects in the ward. The projects visited included; Sipili Health Centre, Sipili Polytechnic, Sipili Cereal Bank, fruit farm and stock theft unit (STU) camp in Wangwachi.

After the stakeholders meeting Hon Mwariri and the chief officers travelled to Ol-Moran to visit Ol-Moran Cereal Bank, Ol-Moran Polytechnic, cattle dip, Ol-Moran sales yard, Ol-Moran Health Centre and a dairy farmer. They concluded their visit with another stakeholders meeting at Red Cross Hall in Ol-Moran.

Super eleven FC wins Ol-Moran MCA Football Tournament

By Grace Wangui

Football enthusiasts turned up in large numbers on November 2, 2014 at Sipili Football Stadium to witness the final of Ol-Moran Member of County Assembly (MCA) football tournament.

The MCA with Super eleven FC players

The tournament has been organized to avoid idleness among the youths in Ol-Moran ward, increase competitiveness among soccer clubs in Ol-Moran, to identify and develop soccer talents in Ol-Moran and to promote club development in the ward. The tournament was sponsored by Ol-moran Member of County Assembly.

Five teams participated namely: Sipili Secondary school, Lariak Secondary school, Kio FC, Charlton United and Super eleven FC.

The final was between Chalton United and Super eleven FC. Super eleven FC emerged victorious with a 1-0 margin. The solitary goal was scored by Francis Macharia.

Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, Ol-Moran Member of County Assembly Hon Duncan Ndegwa said that he was impressed by the quality of the tournament this year. He urged the teams to continue training in order to improve during the next tournament.

He said that the winner of Sipili tournament will face either Kijito FC or Ol-Moran FC in three weeks time once their tournament concludes on November 16, 2014. He promised to organize for transportation for more than one hundred (100) football supporters to travel to Ol-Moran on November 16, 2014 to witness the final of Ol-Moran tournament.

Ol-Moran MCA addressing football fans

He called for the football players to form one strong team that can represent the ward in the national tournament. He promised to organize for a friendly match between the winner of Ol-Moran ward and Igwamiti ward once they conclude their tournament.

He said that the county government is keen on promoting football and that once the Governors Football Tournament ends he will organize for the winners to play against teams from Sipili.

“Harambee Stars coach should come to Ol-Moran Ward in search of talents. We have talents fit for Harambee Stars,” said Hon Ndegwa.

Super eleven FC was issued with a trophy as well as ten thousand Kenya Shillings (10,000) for winning the tournament. Charlton FC who were the runners up got five thousand Kenya shillings (5,000), Sipili Secondary School received Ksh 3,000 while Kio received Ksh 2,000. Super eleven FC also received football kits.

The MCA has called upon teams to start registering for the next tournament which will start in January 2015. So far the MCA has spent more than Ksh 100,000 in organizing the football tournaments.

Ol-Moran ward administrator hold meeting to plan for Laikipia County officers visit

By Bob Aston

Ol-Moran/Sipili ward administrator organized a meeting on November 3, 2014 with some stakeholders at Ng’arua Maarifa Centre to plan for Thursdays visit by Laikipia County chief officers. The meeting which was attended by Ol-Moran Ward administrator, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Public health, Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) and Sipili Polytechnic Manager, selected some projects that the chief officers will visit on Thursday.

“The visit will enable the chief officers to get information on the ground. They will be able to learn the various challenges that people from Ol-Moran ward face and how such problems can be prioritized,” said Mr. Charles Keru, Ol-Moran Ward administrator.

Some of the projects selected to be visited in Sipili include; Sipili Health centre, Sipili Polytechnic, Wangwachi borehole, Sipili sales yard, Sipili Cereal Bank, Sipili passion growers and Stock Theft Unit (STU) camp in Wangwachi.

The Sipili visit will culminate in a stakeholders meeting at Ng’arua Maarifa Centre. Various stakeholders will then have a chance to interact with Laikipia County chief officers and see areas that should be prioritized when developing the ward.

The chief officers will then head to Ol-Moran after the Sipili stakeholders meeting. Projects selected to be visited in Ol-Moran include; Ol-Moran Health centre, Ol-Moran Polytechnic, Ol-Moran cattle dip, dairy group, Ol-Moran Cereal Bank and water project.

“We have included cereal banks because it is important to discuss about food security and about storage. Food storage has been a problem in the ward and we need to see how we can address the issue,” said Mr. Keru.

The Ol-Moran visit will then culminate in a stakeholders meeting at Red Cross Hall. The stakeholders meeting is expected to give the county chief officers an understanding of the different projects being implemented in Ol-Moran ward and how stakeholders can be involved in the development agenda.

Folly of Laikipia’s new breed of investors

By Njenga Kahiro

Land is without doubt, one of the most emotive issues in Kenya. The allure of owning a piece of earth seems to drive everybody to abandon the most sensible expectations.

The Nairobi folks with some money seem to have caught more than their fair share of this infection and they are purchasing land in plains of Laikipia like there is a new precious mineral hidden under the surface.

Most of the rural folks do not mind this frenzy as the land that they initially thought was useless is attracting good money. This has elicited interesting debate in the villages. Lately streams of fancy cars have been getting stuck in the villages black cotton mud holes and majority of the drivers have been ladies.

Most residents are of the opinion that it is a good thing for the village to see their daughters of the soil, purchasing land and driving big cars as it inspires the youths in the village to work hard in order to achieve material wealth.

However, some of the residents are of a different opinion. Losusu and Mama Mboikai are among those who are not interested in this new breed of investors.

“We have seen this frenzy before bushman and it did not end well. Every person no matter how foolish always thinks there must be a greater fool than themselves,” said Losusu.

“This is the same with these young people. They must think that they will buy a land and find a bigger fool to sell at a higher price. It will work for some transactions and many will be left with land they will find it difficult to sell to anyone,” added Losusu.

When given an example of the astronomical rise of land prices along Thika Road after the construction of Thika Superhighway and how this could also happen in the village, Losusu noted that people who have seen books and claim to be Christians should not do such a thing as it borders on immorality.

“The highway was constructed with tax payer’s money. Everyone contributed so why would the few who bordered the road benefit from a facility paid for by everyone,” posed Losusu.

It was then pointed out that market forces are at play but Losusu and Mama Mboikai quickly countered that markets are not perfect. It is clear that an investor stuck in the mud hole will soon get the same lecture.

Source- People Daily Wednesday, October 29, 2014