Blog Post

Salama

Date Published: 2024/08/05

Flourishing Fields, Flourishing Futures: Empowering Small Scale Women Entrepreneurs in Kajiado

Here at Salama Self Help, we believe in unlocking the potential within communities, especially for those who often face barriers to opportunity. We're thrilled to share the progress of our ongoing project in Kajiado County, a region with rich agricultural potential yet facing challenges in empowering women in the sector. 

"Crop farming is mainly in the southern and western parts of the county along rivers and springs. The agricultural sector employs 75% of the total population and provides nearly 40% of the county's food requirements. The main climatic challenge facing the agricultural sector in Kajiado is drought. Our project, "Flourishing Fields, Flourishing Futures," is designed to bridge this gap and create a future where women agripreneurs thrive." CGSpcace

The Seeds of Change:

Kajiado, a beautiful region in Kenya with vast, fertile plains, has traditionally been a strong agricultural hub. However, women in the area have often faced limitations in accessing resources, training, and markets, hindering their ability to fully participate in the agricultural sector.

Nurturing Growth:

Our project, supported by generous donors who share our commitment to empowering women, aims to empower women in Kajiado to become successful agripreneurs. We are building capacity at the grassroots level through a multi-pronged approach:

• Business Development Services (BDS) Training: We provide women with comprehensive training that goes beyond traditional farming practices. They learn essential skills like creating strong business plans, accessing financing, and utilizing best agricultural practices, ensuring their ventures are sustainable and profitable.
• Mentorship and Coaching: We connect women with experienced mentors, often established women entrepreneurs in the region. These mentors provide one-on-one guidance, support, and practical advice, helping the women navigate the challenges and opportunities in their agricultural endeavors.
• Information Sharing Platforms: We've built digital platforms, accessible even with limited technology, that link women with relevant service providers, financial institutions, and market opportunities. This helps them access information, build connections, and collaborate with other women agripreneurs, creating a vibrant network of support.

Witnessing Growth:

We've witnessed a remarkable transformation in Kajiado:

• Growing Businesses: The women we support have developed strong business plans, gained access to crucial resources, and are seeing their income steadily grow, leading to improved livelihoods and greater economic independence.
• Improved Knowledge and Practices: They've acquired knowledge in innovative agricultural techniques, allowing them to produce better quality crops and livestock while maximizing efficiency and resource utilization.
• Building Connections: They've forged valuable relationships with mentors, other agripreneurs, and service providers, creating a supportive network that fosters collaboration and shared knowledge.
• Greater Confidence: We've seen a shift in their confidence – women are embracing the role of agripreneurs, taking initiative, and confidently advocating for their needs.

A Journey of Progress:

The progress in Kajiado is a testament to the power of investing in women. We at Salama Self Help are proud to play a vital role in empowering these women. We are constantly adapting and expanding our programs to meet their evolving needs, leveraging our expertise and building capacity at the grassroots level.