“Katangi [in southern Kenya] is rocky and most of the times we harvest little to nothing from our farms. The majority of the people were not in groups before ADSE interventions in the areas. They understood that being in groups is time wasting and unproductive….We did not understand which crops are suitable for our areas, most people plant just maize and beans.”

Through ADSE, I attended an exchange learning forum to Katothya Self-help group who had established cowpeas commercial seed plot for other cluster members to learn and practice in their farms…During the exchange learning visit, I was able to learn more on vegetable planting. I am planning to use part of my savings and future loans to begin small-scale farming on a piece of land near my home. I want to grow Kales and onions for both home use and sale.”

“We were trained on Village Saving and Loaning Associations (VSLA). I managed to save 3,000 shillings and the group gave me a loan of 5,000 shillings. This money supported me in boosting my small business of selling groceries. I was able to add a section of cooking chips to my clients which has high returns than the groceries. The profits gained has supported in clearing school fees for my children”

My life has greatly changed for the short period ADSE has been in Katangi.