Kitui, West Pokot, Laikipia – In a significant shift towards sustainability, approximately 3,658 women from the Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) counties of Kitui, West Pokot, and Laikipia are successfully utilizing modern farming technologies for sustainable livelihoods. This development was highlighted by UN Women Kenya representative Annah Mutabati during a workshop in Nanyuki focused on the economic empowerment of women through climate-smart agriculture technology.
According to Kenya News Agency, women in these ASAL areas have faced challenges like poverty, cultural values, and illiteracy, which have historically impeded their access to land ownership, loan facilities, and education. “Women live in abject poverty and our role is to work with partners to uplift them,” she stated, noting the detrimental impact of patriarchal values on women’s opportunities. Ms. Mutabati also revealed that stakeholders, including the Korean government and the Food Agricultural Organization (FAO), are collaborating to support women in these counties and alleviate poverty through agriculture.
The initiative, supported by the Korean International and Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in partnership with UN Women and FAO, has seen an investment of approximately $4.4 million to promote climate-smart farming among women in Kitui, West Pokot, and Laikipia. KOICA Kenya Director Janghee Im commented on the economic empowerment that women have experienced compared to previous years. He highlighted the success stories in poultry farming and other climate-smart agricultural practices such as kitchen gardening, beekeeping, and goat rearing, which have enabled these women to support their families despite challenges like drought.
In West Pokot, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Wilfred Longronyang, noted that women are engaging in table banking to supplement their income. He acknowledged the role of capacity building by UN Women and partners in elevating women to leadership positions and decision-making roles.
Dr. Stephen Kimwele, the Kitui counterpart, confirmed the increased agricultural yields among women groups using climate farming technologies. He emphasized the need to further empower women for economic growth, underscoring the transformative impact of these initiatives on the communities.