Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture
Problem
In Kisumu’s informal settlements and surrounding rural areas, food insecurity remains a pressing challenge, with many families struggling to access nutritious meals due to unsustainable agricultural practices, lack of farming knowledge, and limited access to resources. Young people, despite being a crucial part of the workforce, often lack opportunities to engage in sustainable food production. The situation is worsened by poor soil management, inefficient land use, and climate change, leading to low crop yields, post-harvest losses, and unreliable food supply chains. Without proper training and support, Kisumu’s youth are unable to tap into agriculture as a viable means of employment and food security, further exacerbating poverty and malnutrition in the region.
Solution
At Integrated Youths Initiative-Kisumu (IYI-K), we are committed to addressing food insecurity by empowering young people with agricultural skills and knowledge to engage in sustainable farming. Through our Food Security – “Youths for Food Sustainability” program, we provide:
a) Agricultural Training Programs
- Hands-on training in organic farming, post-harvest loss management, recycling, and reusing farm resources to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
- Partnerships with local agricultural experts and NGOs to deliver specialized training on improving farm productivity and climate-smart agriculture.
b) Youth-Run Demo Farms/ Gardens
- Encourage youth to establish small-scale gardens, including vertical gardening, soil management, crop rotation, and water conservation techniques to maximize productivity in limited spaces.
- Promote efficient land use to create sustainable food production models in urban and peri-urban areas.
c) Partnerships with Local Smallholder Farmers
- Facilitate mentorship programs with experienced farmers, allowing youth to learn traditional and modern farming techniques.
- Encourage knowledge-sharing networks where young farmers gain expertise in sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, and food supply chain management.
“Together, we cultivate a future where youth-led agriculture feeds families, strengthens communities, and drives sustainable development.”