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Local solution
COSDEP Kenya is an expert in equipping smallholder farmers with the ability to be self-reliant by ensuring food security for their families in an ecologically sound way. The 40 project participants are already producing root and tuber crops and they are currently selling their fresh produce, which brings just a little profit.
That is why COSDEP will train the participating farmers in value addition of the produced crops, as follows:
- Production – The farmers will be trained on proper farm management practices that will lead to increased yields through use of certified seeds, green manures and biofertilizers.
- Consumption –The farmers will learn the health benefits of the available root and tuber crops, as an alternative for starch and also the leaves can be a source of vitamins and minerals for livestock, for example those of the sweet potato vines.
- Income: The farmers will acquire skills to increase their income by processing the roots and tubers into crisps, flour, and fries, and thus add value to the crops when they sell their surplus. Additionally, they get extra income from recycling peels and leaves to make briquettes, biofertilizers and biochar.
The processing of the roots and tubers also come with the advantage that is prevents post-harvest loss, because it can be stored better and longer. Besides the training, COSDEP will facilitate strong links between the farmers and the markets.
Over the years, COSDEP has realised that there are many opportunities to improve the common and traditional uses of root crops, that contribute greatly to income and food security as they yield more than other crops with proper farming practices. And so, the project is top priority to the participants whose desire to practise value addition has been constrained by financial resources and proper machinery.
Lives improvedWithin 1 year 40 small-scale farmers increase their production and consumption from root and tuber crops with at least 50%. In addition, they will improve their income selling products with added-value and have access to at least one market.
Increased production and income will benefit om average 200 family members in having healthy and sufficient nutrition, and more income available for basic needs such as school fees, health care and housing.
Community impactIn addition, with more available healthy food at the local market, and ecological farming practices copied by other small-scale farmers in the community largely improves the community’s health and nutrition.
Moreover, as a result of organic farming, there is improved soil fertility from application of organic bio inputs.
BudgetThe budget for the following activities is KSH 1,106,358 (or €7,191). The donation will be used in:
- Training of farmers
- Supporting farmers with the needed equipment and certified seeds and seedlings
- Hold exchange and learning visit for farmers.
- Marketing and hold lobby meeting with stakeholders to advocate for market space for organic root tubers.
- Coordination costs and measuring impact.
- 5% to iMPACT direct for facilitating direct donations to local solutions (covering our costs for the website, financial costs of direct donations, and basic costs to support NGOs in promotion and fundraising.)
Own Contribution
- Supplying documentation of the project as well as office items like stationery to be used during the project of a total amount of KES 78,000 (or €508).
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