Food security is more than just having enough to eat. It’s the ability to have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food.
For many families, food security initiatives can mean the difference between struggle and stability. Two inspiring Kenyan women, Margery and Mary, show us how learning Conservation Agriculture methods from our partner ACC&S, has transformed their lives.
Margery’s Story: From Scarcity to Abundance
Margery Gaturi, a 64-year-old farmer from Karwagi Village, knows the pain of failed harvests. She once leased two acres of land, only to harvest a single maize cob. Years of effort and investment yielded little in return.
But everything changed when she joined her local church’s Conservation Agriculture project. With training and support, Margery tested a small demo plot using sustainable farming techniques. The results? A staggering 54 kg of maize—compared to just 10 kg from her traditional methods.
“I no longer have to till my land. It’s less labour-intensive and more productive,” she shares.
Encouraged by her success, Margery fully embraced Conservation Agriculture, reducing labour while increasing her yield. Today, she farms her own land, grows diverse crops, and stores her harvest to sell at the best market prices. With her surplus, she even purchased a goat for additional income and nutrition.
Her story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation.
Mary’s Story: A Dairy Goat That Changed Everything
Mary Wambui, a 77-year-old from Riandu Village had always depended on her cow for milk, but despite her efforts, it produced very little.
“I used to spend so much time and energy feeding that cow,” Mary recalls. This situation left Mary struggling to maintain a consistent supply of milk for her household. The cow required a lot of labour, yet the returns were minimal, making it increasingly difficult for her to manage.
Then came an opportunity through the ACC&S Embu Food Security Project. Mary was introduced to dairy goats, which require less feed but provide more milk and essential manure for farming.
Since receiving her dairy goat, it has kidded twice, increasing her dairy supply.
“Now, I drink milk from my goat every day. It’s much healthier for me, especially at my age,” Mary shares.
With her goat thriving and multiplying, Mary no longer buys milk, saving money that she now invests in her Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). This simple shift has improved her nutrition, reduced her workload, and increased her financial stability.
Why Food Security Matters
Margery and Mary’s stories highlight the transformative impact of food security projects. When communities have access to sustainable farming techniques and resources, they can move from struggle to stability. Here’s how your generosity is transforming lives:
- Boosting Harvests: Farmers are learning new techniques that produce more food with less labour and lower costs.
- Improving Nutrition: Families now have diverse and nutritious food sources, leading to better health.
- Breaking Dependency: By reducing reliance on costly farming inputs, families and individuals can grow food sustainably and increase their resilience.
- Building Financial Stability: With higher yields and savings programs, participants can invest in their future and support their families.
Join the Movement!
Food security is a key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and you can be part of the solution!
- Donate today to help more farmers like Margery and Mary.
- Share this story to raise awareness about the power of sustainable food solutions.
Together, we can build a future where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from. Let’s make food security a reality for all.
