By FLEVIAN GEOFFREY: Navigators, a non-governmental organization based in Kenya, has concluded a two-year intensive empowerment program for farmers in Suna East Constituency.

The collaborative session, held in partnership with KIDRI and other stakeholders, focused on equipping farmers with advanced skills to ensure the long-term sustainability.

Bernard Odhiambo, the Navigators Youth Leader for Migori County, noted that the primary goal has been to move farmers from subsistence to commercial stability.

“Our main aim is to ensure that farmers have sustainable ways of generating income, upgrading their livelihoods, and securing ready markets for their produce,” Odhiambo stated.

While the program has been successful in Suna East, Mr Odhiambo noted that expansion into Suna West is currently hindered by capital constraints, necessitating a focused approach in one constituency at a time.

The program’s impact has reached far beyond the farm, with beneficiaries reporting significant improvements.

Rose Okoth, a bee farmer who has been with the program since its inception two years ago, highlighted the reduction of domestic conflict.

“Navigators has not only empowered women but has also reduced gender-based violence in this region,” Okoth shared adding that “Income is no longer a major challenge among women, which has brought peace to many households.”

Despite the progress, Ms Okoth noted that the journey is far from over.
“We are still calling for more financial support and expertise because we need more beehives to meet the market demand,” she added.

The empowerment initiative has touched various agricultural sectors, including poultry and livestock.

Samuel Onyango, another beneficiary, recalled how the financial and technical support from Navigators initiated his poultry business.

“The support we received for chicken farming has changed our perspective on agribusiness,” Onyango said, echoing the call for more partners to step in as Navigators winds up its two-year cycle.