Eud Foundation, a community interest company that supports and helps people and businesses to achieve their projects with a proven model of social impact, has launched a new project to support organic farming in Kenya.
Kenya is a country with a rich agricultural potential, but it also faces many challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, pests and diseases, market volatility and food insecurity. Many farmers rely on conventional farming methods that use chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, which have negative impacts on the environment and human health. Moreover, many farmers lack access to quality seeds, irrigation systems, storage facilities and market information.
Organic farming is an alternative way of farming that uses natural and sustainable methods to produce healthy and nutritious food. Organic farming can improve soil fertility, biodiversity, water quality and climate resilience. Organic farming can also increase farmers' income and livelihoods by reducing their dependence on external inputs and increasing their access to premium markets.
However, organic farming also faces some barriers such as lack of awareness, skills, certification and support. Many farmers are not aware of the benefits and practices of organic farming. Many farmers lack the skills and knowledge to adopt organic farming techniques. Many farmers lack the certification and standards to access organic markets. Many farmers lack the support and incentives to switch to organic farming.
Difficulties this business is facing
One of the businesses that is facing these difficulties is Green Valley Farm, a small-scale family farm located in Nyeri County, Kenya. Green Valley Farm produces vegetables, fruits and dairy products for the local market. Green Valley Farm has been practicing conventional farming for over 10 years, but it has been struggling with low productivity, high costs and low profits.
Green Valley Farm wants to transition to organic farming, but it needs tools and details to do so. Green Valley Farm needs:
- Training: Green Valley Farm needs training on how to apply organic farming principles and practices, such as crop rotation, composting, mulching, intercropping, etc.
- Funding: Green Valley Farm needs funding to buy organic seeds, inputs and equipment, such as drip irrigation systems, solar panels, cold storage units, etc.
- Certification: Green Valley Farm needs certification to comply with organic standards and regulations, such as the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) or the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).
- Networking: Green Valley Farm needs networking to connect with other organic farmers, buyers and suppliers, such as the Organic Farmers Market (OFM) or the Kenya Organic Producers Association (KOPA).
Details of how Eud Foundation supports
Eud Foundation provides assistance and guidance to obtain certification from reputable organizations such as KOAN or IFOAM. Eud Foundation covers up to 50% of the certification fees.
Eud Foundation has partnered with local NGOs and social enterprises such as KOAN and OFM to support Green Valley Farm and other organic farmers in Kenya through a comprehensive program that includes:
- Training: Eud Foundation provides online and offline training courses on topics such as organic farming principles and practices, business planning, marketing, accounting, legal aspects, etc. The courses are tailored to the needs and interests of the organic farmers and delivered by experts and mentors. EUD Foundation offers 5 courses with a total duration of 50 hours each.
- Funding: Eud Foundation provides access to funding sources such as grants, loans, crowdfunding, donations, etc. The funding is based on the feasibility and social impact of the business ideas and projects. Eud Foundation provides up to $5,000 per business idea or project.
- Certification: Eud Foundation provides assistance and guidance to obtain certification from reputable organizations such as KOAN or IFOAM. Eud Foundation covers up to 50% of the certification fees.
- Networking: Eud Foundation facilitates networking and collaboration opportunities such as events, meetings, forums, etc., where organic farmers can meet other members and partners of Eud Foundation community, exchange ideas, experiences, best practices challenges solutions etc. Eud Foundation organizes 10 events per year with an average attendance of 30 people each.
The effect brought
The project aims to support 100 organic farmers in Kenya over a period of one year. The expected outcomes are:
- Increased productivity and quality for the organic farmers: The organic farmers are expected to increase their yield by 20% and their quality by 30% after completing the program.
- Increased income and livelihoods for the organic farmers and their families: The organic farmers are expected to increase their income by 40% and their livelihoods by 50% after completing the program.
- Increased social and environmental impact for the communities: The business ideas or projects are expected to address social or environmental issues such as food security nutrition health education employment etc.
- Increased awareness recognition for the role potential of organic farming: The organic farmers are expected to inspire other farmers consumers policy makers to adopt support organic farming as a viable sustainable option.
The project started in July 2023 and will end in June 2024. The project is divided into four phases:
- Phase 1: Selection and recruitment of the organic farmers: Eud Foundation selects 100 organic farmers from Kenya based on their eligibility criteria and motivation.
- Phase 2: Training and mentoring of the organic farmers: Eud Foundation provides online and offline training courses to the organic farmers on various topics related to organic farming and entrepreneurship. Eud Foundation also assigns mentors to each organic farmer to provide guidance and support throughout the program.
- Phase 3: Funding and implementation of the business ideas or projects: Eud Foundation provides access to funding sources to the organic farmers based on their business plans. Eud Foundation also monitors and evaluates the progress and impact of the business ideas or projects.
- Phase 4: Monitoring and evaluation of the results and impact: Eud Foundation collects data and feedback from the organic farmers and their stakeholders to measure the results and impact of the program. EUD Foundation also shares the lessons learned and best practices with other partners and stakeholders.
Eud Foundation plans to scale up the project to other regions and countries where there is a need and demand for supporting organic farming. Eud Foundation also plans to create a platform where organic farmers can connect with each other and with other stakeholders such as investors, customers, suppliers, etc.
Eud Foundation invites anyone who is interested in joining or supporting this project to visit its website or contact us. We would love to hear from you!
