Women farmers in Makueni and Laikipia counties are set to gain crucial skills in sustainable agriculture through a new training program designed to promote agro-ecological practices. The “Gender Transformative Agroecology Modules,” launched under the Rural Women Cultivating Change (RWCC) project, aim to improve soil health, increase crop yields, and build climate resilience among smallholder farmers.
The module, developed by GROOTS Kenya in partnership with farmers, government officials, and development partners, will initially focus on empowering women, who often bear the dual burden of farming and family care but have limited access to land and extension services.
Agro-ecology consultant Dr. Annah Indeche, the lead developer of the training content, said many farmers still rely on outdated methods such as monoculture, overuse of chemicals, and poor marketing systems. “This module helps farmers work with nature—reducing chemical inputs, promoting crop diversity, and boosting sustainability,” she explained.
The training is split into two sections: a Farmland Module covering 9 topics over 24 sessions and a Rangeland Module with 8 topics over 23 sessions, delivered biweekly across six months. Key areas include soil sampling, seed selection, water harvesting, agroforestry, indigenous crops, and natural pest management.
According to GROOTS Kenya Executive Director Rachel Kagoiya, the module draws on existing local knowledge and addresses practical challenges such as land degradation and post-harvest losses. “We must act now to protect our soils. This training is a step toward transforming agricultural practices for future generations,” she said.
The Kenyan government has expressed strong support. Engineer Laban Lagat, Agricultural Engineering Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the initiative aligns with the country’s new Agro-Ecology Strategy. “This is sustainable, climate-smart farming that puts women and youth at the center. Our goal is to scale it nationally and integrate technology to attract young people,” he noted.
The program’s early success is already evident. Rael Miwa, a farmer from Kitui County, shared how agro-ecology training helped women in her ward double their profits. “We’ve seen better yields, healthier farms, and more youth involvement,” she said.
While the current focus is on women, the module is open to all, with plans for broader inclusion as the program expands based on its impact.
Written By Rodney Mbua
