Strengthening Women`s Economic Reliance in Kenya

Introduction

Fit For Future is local advocacy and development Organization that creates and uses Evidence Based Policy Influence to inform Sustainable Development in the community. This is informed by the fact that the evidence that exists is often unused by Policy Makers who create and run programs intended to lead to sustainable development. This results to programs that are either ineffective or not as effective as they could be, leading to wasted resources and enduring poverty in the community. The Strengthening Women`s Economic Resilience Project is aimed at advancing women`s economic rights in Agribusiness and other supply chains in Tharaka Nithi County in Kenya.

Problem Statement

Tharaka Nithi County has limited industrial production and most of the residents rely on small scale farming. There is a limited value addition in the livestock value chain and where it exists, the performance level is way low below the optimum capacity.

Indigenous chicken are the most abundant livestock in many rural and peri-urban households in Kenya. These chickens are also referred to as rural, village, backyard, scavenging, traditional or family chickens, and have various names in local languages. They play an important role in household economies in that they convert feed resources available in the homestead or household into highly nutritious and valuable protein products. Although their output in terms of weight gain and number of eggs per hen per year is low, it is obtained with minimal labour and other inputs.

This factor of low input and, consequently, low risk is one of the major advantages of extensive indigenous chicken production systems. Significant returns can be achieved from indigenous chicken without the need for expensive housing, complex technology and funding just by utilizing locally available resources. Interventions aimed at improving productivity will consequently improve incomes and knowledge of household members. Improvement programs should thus take advantage of the natural competitive advantages inherent in indigenous chicken production systems.

Short Term Impact

Animal protein consumed in rural areas frequently comes from indigenous chicken meat and eggs. Chicken can also be sold or bartered to meet family needs such as medicines, clothes and school fees. In this way, they act as a ready source of cash for emergencies and small purchases. They also provide manure and play a role in pest control. These birds are also important during special festivals, traditional ceremonies and treatments.

Chicken meat and eggs provide a readily available, high-quality source of proteins, vitamins and micronutrients. Eggs are an excellent source of iron, zinc and vitamin A, all of which are essential to health, growth and wellbeing. Chicken and eggs contribute to a nutritious, balanced diet, which is especially important for children, nursing mothers and many vulnerable groups.

Long Term Impact

Significant returns can be achieved from indigenous chicken without the need for expensive housing, complex technology and funding just by utilizing locally available resources. Interventions aimed at improving productivity will consequently improve incomes and knowledge of household members. Improvement programs should thus take advantage of the natural competitive advantages inherent in indigenous chicken production systems.

Budget

Purchase and Installation of a 1000 Eggs Incubator-------1000 US Dollars.