Kayafungo Ground Up Project, Kenya

The Ground Up project will work with the Kaya Farmers Group in Kayafungo, Kenya to bring together local agricultural groups under one umbrella organization. The Kaya Farmers Group will help community members share knowledge about farming techniques and mobilize local assets to improve food security. To support their efforts, Laura MacArthur, Think Impact Fellow, will help create a demonstration farm, implementing both a solar-powered drip irrigation system and a digital video curriculum. By teaching farmers the best way to make effective use of their land, we can ensure that children and families will receive better nutrition, and that homesteads can participate in local markets.

Starvation has taken the life of many individuals in Kayafungo. Nearly the entire community of Kayafungo practices farming, yet there is a lack of access to basic agricultural technology and information. By creating a center where farmers learn methods of irrigation and ways to produce food effectively in a drought, they will gain the skills they need to transform their community. Once families have enough food, children will more likely go to school, women and men will be able to sell their produce year round, and each homestead will have the opportunity to increase its income.

The total project budget, including materials for the demonstration farm, a solar suitcase and educational workshops is $13,200.

Laura MacArthur will live in Kayafungo, Kenya for one year while she assists with this initiative. She can be contacted by email at: laura@thinkimpact.org