This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
Kenya's Makueni County is home to Victoria Muteti, a 44-year-old farmer who has seen her harvests increase significantly since joining an e-voucher initiative in 2020. In January of that year, she harvested over 2,500 kilograms of sorghum from her 2.5-acre farm, a substantial increase from the 1,000 kilograms she harvested in 2019.
Victoria's success is not an isolated incident. The e-voucher initiative, implemented by the Government of Kenya and jointly funded with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the European Union, has benefited thousands of smallholder farmers across the country.
"Before the programme started, we just planted and hoped for what God would give us; now we know – for sure – we will get more food," Victoria said in an interview.
As part of the initiative, Victoria received certified seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and post-harvest items, along with training in good agricultural practices. She was also able to access sustainable soil ripping services, which have helped preserve her land and improve water storage capacity.
Victoria's improved harvests have had a significant impact on her nutrition and food security. She is now able to sell part of her harvest, earning around US$800, and has invested in a poultry house and a cow to further fortify her diet and bring additional revenue.
According to the programme's organizers, over 4,800 farmers across eight counties have accessed assorted inputs and conservation agriculture services through the e-voucher initiative. The staple crops produced by these farmers contribute to national food stocks, ensuring continued food security.
One of the programme's success stories is Malia Kimanthi, a 54-year-old farmer who has gained a lot from her participation in the e-voucher initiative. Trained in conservation agriculture during a previous EU-funded project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Malia now teaches it to other farmers and operates a soil-ripping service.
"The project changed my life. I have now a modern house and I am able to send two of my children to university," Malia said in an interview last December.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the country, the e-voucher initiative has provided a vital lifeline for many farmers. The programme's holistic approach to development ensures its success, targeting interventions at every level of the value chain to benefit all stakeholders, from researchers and farmers to input suppliers and market players.
