Agriculture is a vital source of livelihood for millions of Kenyans and significantly contributes to the country’s overall economic output. However, many rural farmers lack access to quality agricultural training, hindering their ability to improve yields and increase their income. Without better opportunities, these farmers remain trapped in a cycle of low yields and low returns.
The Opportunity
The majority of people living in communities adjacent to Lewa are small-scale farmers. In line with Lewa’s core tenet that empowering communities is the most sustainable path to conservation, we currently work with 3,500+ farmers to improve their agricultural productivity by introducing innovative, climate-smart methodologies, such as organic farming, drip water irrigation, water harvesting, certified drought- and disease-resistant seeds and organic fertilisers.
We provide farmers and selected schools with the tools, information, skills and market linkages to successfully secure their production without harming the ecosystem. Through this programme, Lewa:
- Shares techniques that preserve soil quality to prevent land degradation
- Provides hands-on training on crop diversification, water harvesting, irrigation methods, and crop monitoring
- Facilitates the formation of farming support groups, helping farmers learn from each other, and share in best practices
| Our Impact |
1,640
new farmers enrolled in the Sustainable Agriculture Programme in 2024, bringing the total to 3,635 farmers across 11 communities
1,500+
students and teachers in Lewa-supported schools engaged in school gardening
3,210+
 farmers and students were reached through 11 agricultural field days and exhibitions
9
new farmer groups were formed in 2024, bringing the total to 22 groups.
