Manyatta Zebra, a serene village nestled amidst the grazing plains of Ngaremara Ward, was once a place where Christina Lobar Lotak, a 53-year-old small-scale farmer, faced the daily challenge of making ends meet. But today, thanks to the transformative CAFOD funded Isiolo Integral Ecological project (IIEP), her story has taken an inspiring turn.
The IIEP project implemented by Caritas Isiolo was developed in response to the alarming environmental degradation in the region. This degradation is characterized by land deterioration, declining domesticated animal populations, degradation of flora and fauna, conflicts, deforestation, famine, and reduced levels of surface and underground water. These environmental challenges have made households highly vulnerable, leading to limited access to food, assets, and recovery from recurrent natural disasters such as drought.
Christina, a project participant learned about the project through a Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) group supported by Caritas Isiolo and where she is a member, showcasing the importance of community networks in disseminating information and fostering positive change.
“Before the project, I did not have adequate income to sustain my family. As a single mother, raising 5 children has been hard and hence resulted to looking for alternative sources of income such as casual labor and charcoal selling business to sustain our daily household needs.” Christina recounted
However, the arrival of the IIEP project marked a turning point in Christina’s life. The project identified Christina and 29 other farmers within the village through the community led selection and validation meetings. The selected farmers were trained in organic farming with a core focus on integrated pest management and land management practices. Upon completion of the training sessions, the 30 farmers received organic seeds to plant on their developed individual farms. “With the knowledge and expertise gained, I managed to start a farm just adjacent to my house where I practice organic farming. I currently farm vegetables such as kales and spinach, watermelon, pumpkins, beans, maize, sugarcane, bananas and tomatoes. I sell the produce to my community members and neighboring school. My customers are happy because I only use organic pesticides and therefore the produce are safe for consumption and protects the environment.” Christina highlights with a smile.
Figure 1: Ms Christina holding a bunch of mature beans at her farm in Manyatta Zebra Village , Ngaremara ward
Christinas’ quarter acre farm plot has been able to provide food for household consumption as well as for sale to consumers within the village. She generates an average of 20,000 Kenyan shillings monthly that has been able to help her sustain most of their livelihood needs.
On her future plans she notes “I plan to expand my farm to accommodate the increasing demand for the farm produce and buy a 5000-liter water storage tank that will provide consistent water supply to the farm.” Christina plans to take a loan from the Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) group she is part of to accomplish her plans.
Figure 2: Ms Christina farm in Manyatta Zebra Village , Ngaremara ward with the variety of crops planted including Spinach, Bananas, Beans and Pumpkins.
Christina’s journey is not just a testament to her determination but also an inspiring example for other agro-ecology farmers. Ms Irene Gacheri, Livelihood Officer for the project notes that “Through the project’s holistic approach on promotion of environmentally friendly practices, including the adoption of the agro-ecological approach, community members like Christina are becoming champions for Environmental conservation, nutritious food access and resilience against climate challenges.
