Empowering Lives Through Agriculture: 4lifesaving's Mission in Kenya

In sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture remains the backbone of rural economies, employing approximately 60–70% of the population. Women play a pivotal role, contributing between 24% and 56% of the crop production labor force across various countries on the continent . Despite their significant involvement, women and youth often face systemic barriers, including limited access to capital, training, and market opportunities. The Building Resilience in Kenya (BRiK) Project, led by 4Lifesaving, seeks to address these challenges by empowering ultra-poor women and youth in Busia County through agriculture-based entrepreneurship.

Our Mission and Vision

• Mission: To deliver agriculture-based poverty graduation solutions that combine capital, training, and market access, impacting 100,000 ultra-poor women and youth in Kenya over the next decade.

• Vision: To lift ultra-poor families out of poverty through agriculture entrepreneurship as a life-saving intervention.

Current Landscape

The agricultural sector in Kenya and broader Africa faces multifaceted challenges:

• Climate Change: Over 65% of Africa's farmland is degraded, and 270 million people endure chronic hunger. Climate change exacerbates these issues, leading to unpredictable weather patterns and reduced agricultural productivity .

• Youth Unemployment: Youth unemployment rates are alarmingly high across the continent. In sub-Saharan Africa, the youth unemployment rate stands at 12.9%, with youths being three times more likely to be unemployed than adults .

• Gender Inequality: Women constitute over 60% of the rural population in Kenya, yet they often lack control over productive resources and are predominantly engaged in low-paying or non-remunerated roles within the agricultural sector .

Our Approach

The BRiK Project adopts a comprehensive model to address these challenges:

1. Capital Support via Income Sharing Agreements (ISA): Providing cash transfers ranging from $50 to $250 to each participant, enabling them to invest in agro-enterprise activities. Participants agree to share 10% of future profits until the transfer is recovered within 18 months. This model promotes dignity and shared risk.

2. Training and Capacity Building: Offering practical training in agri-business skills, financial literacy, and climate-smart agricultural practices. This empowers beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the agricultural sector.

3. Market Access Development: Facilitating linkages between producers and institutional buyers, school feeding programs, and agro-processors. This ensures that beneficiaries have access to stable markets for their produce.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Utilizing tools like KoboTool and facilitator reports to track progress, monitor income growth, assess ISA repayment rates, and evaluate the overall impact of the project.

Global Context and Future Outlook

Globally, there is a growing recognition of the need to empower women and youth in agriculture. Initiatives like the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of inclusive agricultural development.

In Kenya, the government's draft agriculture sector gender policy highlights that even a slight reduction in the gender gap in agriculture can lead to significant economic benefits, lifting millions out of poverty .

The BRiK Project aligns with these global and national priorities, aiming to create a sustainable model of agricultural entrepreneurship that can be scaled across the continent. By focusing on ultra-poor women and youth, the project not only addresses immediate economic needs but also contributes to long-term social and economic development.

The BRiK Project represents a transformative approach to poverty alleviation in Africa. By empowering the most marginalized populations through agriculture-based entrepreneurship, we are not only improving individual livelihoods but also contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in the region. As we move forward, continued support and collaboration with local communities, governments, and international partners will be crucial in realizing the full potential of this initiative.