Self Help Africa - Kenya Annual Report 2008

“Working with rural communities on issues of Food Security and Livelihoods”

Annual Report2008

For more information Contact;COUNTRY DIRECTORCatholic Diocese of Nakuru Plaza, 2nd FloorMoi Road off Oginga Odinga AvenueP.O.Box 2248 Code 20100, Nakuru, Kenya.Tel: 254-051-2212291, Telefax: 254-051-2212304E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.selfhelpafrica.com

Kenya Country Programme

About Self Help Africa

Self Help Africa (SHA) is an international development agency committed to sustainable develop-ment of rural communities in Africa by implementing development projects in partnership with local government structures and beneficiaries. SHA was formed in 2008 following the integration of two agencies: UK charity Harvest Help and Irish Charity Self Help Development International (SHDI). Both charities were founded in early 1980s in response to the catastrophic Ethiopian famine and droughts that plagued many Central African Countries then. SHA has Country Programmes in nine African countries namely; Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya.

In Kenya, SHA started work in 1997 through Baraka Agricultural College (BAC) until 2004 when an autonomous Country Office was established. In liaison with BAC, SHA has implemented programmes in Lare and Kamara Divisions of Molo District and Tenges Division of Baringo District under the college’s outreach activities as Area Based Programmes and in the Districts of Baringo, Koibatek, Bomet, Kericho, Samburu, Trans-Mara, Turkana and East Pokot in beekeeping as a capacity building programme.

The Country Office is currently implementing an Area Based Programme in Gilgil and Elementaita Divisions of Naivasha District. In line with our strategic plan (2006 - 2010), we intend to com-mence a second Area Based Programme in Rongai Division of Nakuru District in 2010 with preparatory work being undertaken this year such as Community Entry, Needs Assessment, Base-line Survey and Programme Development. We are also working in Partnership with Family Health International (FHI) AIDS Population Health Integrated Assistance II (APHIA II) on an HIV and AIDS Safety nets intervention in Njoro, Kapkures, Baringo, Koibatek and Gilgil.

VISIONThe vision of Self Help Africa is a rural Africa free from poverty and hunger.

Self Help Africa’s mission is to provide practical support to rural communities through capacity building and participatory partnerships and to promote learning, dissemination and advocacy.

The Goal is a sustainable improvement in rural livelihoods.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE KENYA COUNTRY PROGRAMME1. To support rural communities and households to achieve food security through increased production and access to food;2. To support rural communities and households to tackle poverty through diversified and sustainable livelihoods;3. To build community capacity to improve access to services; and strengthen the capacity of partners (local Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organiza tions (CBOs) and local government) to meet locally defined needs;4. To promote learning, dissemination and advocacy through effective networks working at local, national and international levels; and5. To ensure effective mainstreaming of analysis and responses to environment, gender and HIV and AIDS issues in all programme activities.

Vulnerability

context

Environment and natural resources

Climate change

Trade and markets

ConflictInstitutional and

policy context

Economic

Social

PoliticalSustainable

improvements in rural

livelihoods

Programme

Framework for

Self Help Africa

Build community capacity to improve access to services

Strengthen local partner capacity

Learning, advocacy, networking and development education

Vulnerability analysis

Mainstreaming analysis and responses to environment, gender, and HIV/AIDS

Food security through improving agricultural and livestock production and access to markets

Diversifying livelihoods for greater economic security

Sustainable natural resource use

Self Help Africa-Annual Report 20081

FOREWARD

Duncan Ochieng’ OnduuCountry Director

The year 2008 was a diffi cult one for Kenya following the disputed 2007 presidential elections that saw unprecedented deaths and destruction of property. Since our programmes have operations in the Rift Valley Province, one of the

areas hard hit was the Kamara Area Based Programme (ABP) in Molo District. Over 6,939 families were displaced, 3880 homes were either burnt or destroyed, 5 schools vandalized with thousands of mature crops destroyed alongside farmers projects/enterprises. During the skirmishes over 120 lives were lost in Kamara ABP. One of the programme offi ces/resource centres in Kamara ABP was razed to the ground. We commend organizations such as Kenya Red Cross, Mercy Corps and GOAL in the emergency response in Molo District.

While we don’t have a comparative competence in peace building, we worked closely with organizations such as World Vision and the Kenya Red Cross Society with the support of the Provincial Administration on tackling issues around those internally displaced such as peace building and provision of basic needs.

We didn’t resume active programme operations until April, 2008 when the situation returned to some form of “normalcy”. The post election violence was also compounded by high fuel prices, infl ation and escalating food prices that made it diffi cult for communities to take part in community counterpart contributions.

On a positive side, the year 2008 saw the integration of SHDI and Harvest Help to form Self Help Africa as has been alluded to earlier. During the year under review, signifi cant milestones were realized in the organization’s core areas of work on issues of food security and livelihoods. Signifi cant to this was the offi cial launch of the Training Manual on Drip Irrigation under the support of Australian AID’s (AusAID) Africa Regional Small Activities Scheme. A total of 1,500 households were targeted for this intervention. An Annual output survey that was conducted in December showed tremendous improvements in our work relative to the state at baseline in 2005. We also worked in partnership with the Ministry of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 in the localization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nakuru District. This is a partnership between the UNDP Kenya and The Republic of Finland. We are grateful to Coca-Cola East and Central Africa for providing soft drinks during the MDG’s sports day. We also fi nalized fruitful discussions with Family Health International (FHI) (APHIA II) on a Sub agreement on food and livelihood security for People Living with HIV and AIDS. During the year under review, we commenced an environmental advocacy project in collaboration with Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF). In addition, we thank gorta for their support on water resource management, construction of community food stores, equipment support to health facilities and sports equipment for the youth.

On my own behalf and that of SHA in Kenya, I wish to express our gratitude to all those who through the year worked tirelessly with us in our working with the respective rural communities on issues of food security and livelihoods. I wish to give special mention to the Country Advisory Committee, Baraka Agricultural College, our development partners hitherto mentioned and; Irish Aid and the Irish Public for their fi nancial support during the year. The collaborators at the Divisional, District and National levels for the support they gave us in our work. We also wish to thank the respective communities that made our work much more easily and to the dedicated SHA staff. Finally we salute our colleagues at the Head Offi ce in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK).

To all, I say thank you and God bless you.

Self Help Africa-Annual Report 2008 2

Table of Contents Page

Foreword 1

Executive Summary 3

1.0 Introduction 5

2.0 Main achievements of the Country Strategic Plan 6

3.0 Main factors affecting Country Plan Performance 14

4.0 Organizational Development 14

5.0 Networking, Partnerships, Dissemination and Public relations 15

6.0 Programme Development Opportunities 17

7.0 Financial Overview 20

8.0 Programme Impact and Sustainability 21

9.0 Country priorities for year 2009 23

10.0 Conclusion 24

Publications 25


Executive Summary

The year 2008 was the third year of operation for Self Help Development International Kenya (SHDI Kenya) now Self Help Africa. For the Baraka Agricultural College (BAC)/SHA programme, it marked a continuation

of the activities at the Tenges Area Based Programme and Bee Keeping Capacity Building Programmes as scheduled although with a slight change in Programme Approach for the Kamara Area Based Programme. We also worked in Partnership with Family Health International (FHI) AIDS Population Health Integrated Assistance II (APHIA II) on an HIV and AIDS Safety nets intervention in Njoro, Kapkures, Baringo, Koibatek and Gilgil.

Programme work was greatly affected by the Post election violence that rocked the country following the disputed presidential elections in 2007. The violence led to the displacement of 325,775 Kenyans and loss of over 1,200 lives as reported in the local dailies. While all the programme areas were affected by the violence, the scale of destruction and deaths in Kamara Area Based Programme (ABP) was of unprecedented propositions. Over 6,939 families were displaced, 3880 homes were either burnt or destroyed, 5 schools vandalized with thousands of mature crops destroyed alongside farmers projects/enterprises. During the skirmishes over 120 lives were lost in Kamara ABP. One of the programme offi ces/resource centres in Kamara ABP was razed to the ground. The BAC/SHA programme worked with organizations such as Kenya Red Cross Society, Mercy Corps and GOAL in an emergency response in Molo District.

In consultations with the Head Offi ce in Ireland, the offi ce was closed until after the signing of the historic grand coalition Memorandum of Understanding on the 28th February 2008 with the staff returning to work in March, 2008. Work resumed gradually albeit slowly due to the tensions that still existed. Activities generally picked up in April 2008, except Kamara where the direction of intervention has since changed from an ABP intervention to that of Relief coupled with psycho-social support.

Overall, the key achievements of the Country Strategy plan during the year under review include; diversifi cation of food crops such as sweet potatoes by farmers that increased both production for household consumption and income through the selling of high value crops such as onions and sunfl ower. Relative to the time of programme commencement in Gilgil in 2005, farmers are comparatively changing their attitude towards the practice of planting maize annually and are now willing to embrace and utilize new technologies like drip irrigation thus reducing over reliance on rain fed agriculture. This has in turn considerably reduced food defi cit periods since food can now last at least six months. Yields from livestock have increased; milk and eggs thus supplementing household nutrition. Our intervention on HIV and AIDS mainstreaming has seen considerable impact as the number of those coming up to declare their status has gone up. We have for the fi rst time seen a number of 16 People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs) coming up to form a support group in Gilgil although for the FHI (APHIA II) Partnership, we are working with 6 support groups. Also, in the health sector, access to health care has improved for at least 7,000 households with the supply of basic health equipments to the four health centers in Elementaita and Gilgil Divisions. Distances to health facilities have decreased from about 25 km to a maximum of 5km as the population does not need to travel to the District health facility in Naivasha.

During the year under review, we also had successful collaboration with Government ministries and worked closely with Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) on promotion of Drought Tolerant Crops (DTCs). We also participated in networking meetings such as the Non Governmental Co-ordination Board, Kenya Rain Water Association, Center for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG), Horticultural Development Crops Authority (HCDA) and Kenya Land Alliance (KLA). Here, we represented KLA, where we are members during the Africa for a Green Revolution (AGRA’s) Policy Makers and Private Sector Convening in Nairobi that provides opportunities on small holder farmers in rural areas to partner; a process that we can tap into as an organization. The Bee keeping capacity building programme at BAC participated in policy formulation meeting on apiculture development in Kenya that was convened by the Ministry of Livestock. At the development partner level, we participated in the Multi Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) funded organizations consultations that also focused on lesson learning and sharing on thematic areas. One of the key processes during the year under review was the formal launch of the Training Manual on Drip Irrigation during the Annual Stakeholders forum held in December 2008 that was offi ciated by the Australian High Commissioner. This initiative on Drip Irrigation was funded by the Australian High Commission through the Small Grants Support Scheme. The BAC partnership saw the publication of a Report on Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development that was a proceeding of


a workshop of African Agricultural Education and Training Institutions held between July 21st -26th, 2008 at Baraka Agricultural College in Molo, Kenya.

In Programme development, we received in-county funding support from three development partners; Family Health International (APHIA II) on strengthening safety nets for individuals and families made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Republic of Finland through the Ministry of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 on the localization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nakuru District and Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) on advocacy on environmental conservation in Gilgil and Elementaita Divisions. We were also notifi ed of our success in Global Fund, Round 7.

Main factors that affected performance during the reporting period include; drought, increased infl ation rate hence high food prices, post election violence that returned the programme to a near starting point with destruction of property and displacement of farmers. On a positive note, technical support from the Head Offi ce in Ireland and availability of funds to implement the programme activities added value to the programme implementation process.

The putting in place of the Farmers and Bee Keeping Associations has been a mechanism through which structures are now in place for the sustainability of our work. This is also strengthened by the collaboration that exists with the different Government Ministries that were earlier alluded to.


1.0 Introduction

This is a Country Programme Report for Self Help Africa formerly Self Help Development International Kenya (SHDI Kenya) covering the Period January to December 2008. The report covers activities undertaken by the Country Programme and those under the partnership with Baraka Agricultural College (BAC); also known as BAC/SHA. It also captures the work undertaken under the partnership with Family Health International (FHI) APHIA II on safety nets of individuals and families made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS.

From the outset, it is important to state that SHA has been operating in Kenya since 1997 through Baraka’s Outreach Programme until a decision was made in 2004 to establish a Country Offi ce with a Country Director as the accounting offi cer. In 2008, SHA was formed following the integration of two charities as alluded to earlier. SHA in Kenya is currently implementing both Area Based and Capacity Building Programmes in the Districts of Nakuru, Bomet, Kericho, Koibatek and Baringo. Specifi cally, the Area Based Programme under the Country Offi ce is implementing an Integrated Food and Livelihoods Security intervention in Gilgil and Elementaita Divisions of Naivasha District. Within BAC/SHA, the Area Based Programmes (ABP) is implemented in Kamara, Nakuru District and Tenges in Baringo District while the Bee Keeping Capacity Building Programme (CBP) is having direct work in Koibatek and Baringo Districts with follow-ups in the Nakuru, Kericho and Bomet districts.

Further, the activities under review have been done in line with the operational Five Year SHDI Kenya Strategic Plan (2006-2010). These have been done with operational work plans developed for the year 2008. These were reviewed on a quarterly basis and further enriched by the joint quarterly and monitoring review sessions that were held with the BAC Partnership. The programme components during the year under review included; Agricultural Production and Productivity, Natural Resource Management, Health and Gender, Water Development, Business Development Services and Community Development.

While SHA and BAC/SHA undertook different activities according to their operational plans, activities that were done jointly included; Joint quarterly meetings and Country Directors fi eld Monitoring Visits, Staff and Collaborators Training, Farmers Training, Offi cial launch of the Training Manual on Drip Irrigation. The use of Participatory Action Research (PAR) informed most of our work during the year.

Overall, the proceeding Report captures the Main achievements of the Country Strategic Plan, Main factors affecting the Country Plan performance, Organizational Development issues, Achievements in Networking, Partnerships, Dissemination and Public relations, New Programme development opportunities, Financial Overview, Programme impact and Sustainability, Country Programme priorities for year 2009 and a conclusion as discussed hereunder.


2.0 Main Achievements of the Country Strategic Plan

In a bid to realize the broad strategic directions of our Strategic Plan, in partnership with the community, Government of Kenya, BAC Partner and other stakeholders, signifi cant achievements during the reporting period were as follows:

Procurement and distribution of 5,824 kg of Drought Tolerant Maize and Bean seeds for 525 households, training on value addition which improved skills and knowledge of 35 (29 men and 6 women) Extension Farmers in value addition, rehabilitation of Ngeteti Public Cattle Dip that has contributed to reduced prevalence of tick borne diseases in the area with 3,788 households benefi ting directly from the usage of the dip. The Tenges ABP distributed 11,000 Kgs of sweet potatoes to 400 farmers. Once harvested, it is anticipated that it will benefi t 1,000 farmers with seeds. Under enterprise development for Common Interest Groups (CIGs), 8 CIGs with a membership of 255 households received 569 iron sheets, 87 bags of cement and 135 chicken mesh wires for the construction of dairy cattle, Goat and Poultry housing units. This initiative has assisted farmers to improve husbandry practices hence increase in livestock yields (milk and eggs). Similarly, 5 groups were supported with 40 breeding cockrels that eventually produced 300 new chicken. The process of facilitating Karunga and Eburru Farmers Associations (FAs) to implement a community managed Artifi cial Insemination (AI) scheme commenced with the procurement of AI equipment and a motor cycle to enhance mobility. This is a step towards upgrading of cattle in Gilgil Division for increased productivity. At least 5,533 households will benefi t from the scheme directly.

In Natural Resources Management (NRM), de-silting of Kiptangwanyi dam was done with a capacity of 10,000 m3. The dam will be instrumental in harvesting and storing rain runoff thus improving access to water for 4550 people (650 households). The programme also provided 24 tree nurseries with polytubes, assorted tree seeds and lath nets. As a result, over 100,000 tree seedlings have been raised in readiness for planting during the 2009 cropping season. On beekeeping, 8 community representatives received an artisan course on making of bee suits and beehives at Baraka Agricultural College (BAC). Promotion of energy saving devices was also done with 53 women and 6 men improving their skills through training and demonstration on various energy saving devices (Kuni Mbili jiko, Fireless Cookers, Tea Cosys).

Under Business Development Services (BDS), the programme facilitated community’s access to markets through the Farmers Association by linkages with BIDCO Oil Refi neries on production and marketing of sunfl ower. Also, a market opportunity was identifi ed for passion fruit farmers on supply of Passion fruits to a local hotel in Gilgil. At least 200 kg of passion fruits are delivered weekly at Kshs. 70 per kg. In community development, 44 Farmers Associations’ Management Committee members received a training on Resource Mobilization through proposal writing, Financial Management and Record keeping, the construction of Kiambogo and Mitimingi food stores was fi nalized and plans to commence the construction of Thome Primary School are underway with the completion of the approval process for the architectural designs by the Architect.

In Health and Gender, peer education in 8 schools continued reaching over 3,312 students (1,775 boys and 1,537 girls) with messages on life skills. Also Peer Educators and Community Health and Nutrition Volunteers (CHNVs) quarterly sessions were held as a way of backstopping their efforts, addressing their challenges and planning for the activities ahead of time. HIV and AIDS mainstreaming continued throughout the reporting period reaching over 6,857 households. For the fi rst time, 16 People Living With HIV and AIDS came out and declared their status and have now formed a support group.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Medical Services, 389 people (159 men and 230 women) received Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in the remote areas of the programme through mobile VCT clinics. Separately, the programme procured assorted basic hospital equipments for four Dispensaries; Kiambogo, Mitimingi, Karunga and Eburru. The equipments were bought with funding support from gorta based on the needs identifi ed by the Dispensaries’ management committees. With this support, over 50,169 people (25,403 male and 24,766 female) are now accessing improved health services without having to travel over 25 km to the nearest Sub District Hospital at Gilgil Town. Additionally, the rehabilitation of Eburru Dispensary fl oor and partitioning of the Home Based Care (HBC) unit at Gilgil Sub District Hospital was also done. This will no doubt make signifi cant contributions towards improving the provision of basic health care services at the dispensaries


and sub-district hospitals.

In Hygiene and Sanitation, community awareness creation continued on issues of bush clearing, drainage of waste water, garbage disposal, and treatment of drinking water among others. Demonstrations on various sanitation techniques were also done such as; construction of dish racks, making of drainage pits to drain off excess water from bathrooms and kitchens etc.

Under Gender mainstreaming, awareness creation was done with the realization of over 30% women involvement in decision making positions of community structures and institutions. Also, a training for 69 community leaders (20 women and 49 men) was conducted as a step towards gaining community leadership support on encouraging women to take up leadership roles in the community.

The BAC partnership saw the strengthening of the capacities of the Farmers Association and linkages with the other service providers. The capacity building programme under BAC Partnership has continued work between the Bee Keeping Associations and the relevant line ministries. The Training of Trainers (TOTs) that is an extension strategy managed to reach out to more bee keepers that the programme could not reach especially due to the post election violence. Koibatek Bee Keepers Association has been approved for support by Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) to receive equipment for honey processing.

The Bee keeping capacity building programme at BAC participated in policy formulation meeting on apiculture development in Kenya that was convened by the Ministry of Livestock. The BAC partnership saw the publication of a Report on Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development that was a proceeding of a workshop of African Agricultural Education and Training Institutions held between July 21-26, 2008 at Baraka Agricultural College in Molo, Kenya.

During the year under review, we also had successful collaboration with Government ministries and worked closely with Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) on promotion of Drought Tolerant Crops (DTCs). We also participated in networking meetings such as the Non Governmental Co-ordination Board, Kenya Rain Water Association, Kenya Land Alliance, Center for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG) and Horticultural Development Authority. The Bee Keeping CBP worked closely with KARI Marigat and Forest Action Network.

The case studies and pictorial presentation on the subsequent pages illustrates achievements realized during the year under review.

Self Help Africa-Annual Report 2008 8S lSelf Hf H lelp AfAf irica-AAnn lual RRepport 2t 2008008 88

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY 1; FORTUNE MAKERRose Mugure is a 57 years old grandmother of three from Manyeki B village in Kiambogo Extension Area of Elementaita Division. She joined Kiambogo Farmers Association (KIFA) in 2007. She was among the fi rst members to register for the drip irrigation project. After attending the initial trainings on the assembly and use of drip irrigation kit, and Onion production, she was issued with a drip kit and 250gms of onion seeds, red creole. She had diffi culty with the crop during the period of December 2007 through the post election violence of early 2008. The crop survived the dry period through irrigation with the little water using drip irrigation.

She planted an eighth of an acre in two stages, the fi rst crop was harvested between July 2008 to August 2008, then the last crop in September 2008. Rose says that she harvested 420 Kgs of bulb onion which she sold at Kshs.30 a kilogram and made Kshs. 12,600 she used the money to repay the loan and bought more seed from the Farmers Association. She has sown the seeds in the nursery suffi cient to plant half an acre. Rose says that this project has been a fortune maker for her. She plans to increase the acreage under production as she has realized the benefi ts from such a small area. She has set the pace for other farmers who have now joined her in growing of onion using drip irrigation.

Rose Mugure displaying her crop of Onion

CASE STUDY 2Karunga Dam Site Group, found in Karunga Village, Karunga sub-location, Karunga location was formed in 1999 and registered in 2006. The membership is 25 (13 male, 12 female). The objectives for starting the group were to produce trees for planting on farms, to promote environmental conservation, to source income for members through sale of tree seedlings and merry go round, and to promote the importance of tree planting in the community. The group started working with SHA in 2006 and so far it has realized some benefi ts. These include: they have been trained by Tree Seedling Producer on tree nursery establishment and management, members have realized self employment, and they also get fi nancial support from their merry go round. Through this group, members are able to share knowledge and skills from each other, and the group has helped unite the village members.

Early this year SHA supported the group with a 10,000 litre water tank to facilitate rain water harvesting through roof catchment and store adequate water for use in the nursery especially during the dry season. The group has also been trained on fruit tree seedling grafting and now is able to do grafting of various fruit tree seedlings. The group was also supported with a shade net for use at the nursery. This will help reduce the cases of seedlings withering after grafting and pest infestation respectively. The group currently has over 5,000 passion fruit and avocado seedlings which have been grafted and there is a ready market for them. This year alone, the group sold 3,000 assorted tree seedlings to the community and a neighboring school. This has enhanced their incomes as they got Kshs. 25,000 from the sale of these seedlings. Members of this group have also planted about 100 seedlings


each in their farms. This will improve vegetation cover and contribute towards national vegetation cover.

CASE STUDY 3Eburru Passion Fruit Group was formed in 2001 with a major objective to unite youth living at the Eburru sub location villages. It was originally started as a social group but later started passion fruit farming as an Income Generating Activity (IGA). However, due to lack of technical knowledge and skills the project was shelved and for about three years the group became inactive. When SHA started working within the area, the group was identifi ed as having potential and was revived to start passion fruit farming.

The group has a membership of 17 with 6 females and 11 male farmers. It has a management committee elected yearly comprising of three people that provides leadership to the group. The group was trained by SHA on passion fruit farming, group dynamics and governance. The group was then facilitated to go for an exchange tour to Elburgon Division near Molo town which is about 100 kilometers away from Gilgil. The group members acquired 2800 passion fruit seedlings which they have since planted. Each group member has 0.1 to 0.5 acres under the crop. In total the group has established about 5 acres of the crop.

We have facilitated the group to access market for their fruits in a hotel within Gilgil town. They have a contract with the hotel to supply the fruits at a cost of Kshs. 70 per kilo. The group plans to scale up the production of the fruits to be the leading cash crop within the area since there exists market that is yet to be tapped. In future they hope to establish a juice extraction plant to add value to the fruits.

CASE STUDY 4 on Energy Saving Devices – Mitimingi Extension AreaLess fi re wood … more foodLake Nakuru Poultry Self help Group is in Game village, one of the villages covered by Self Help Africa’s Gilgil Area Based Programme. The group was established in 2003 and has an on-going poultry keeping project. The group has a membership of 25 women.

Game village is relatively dry with sparse vegetation cover of planted exotic trees, spotted with Acacia spp. The area generally experiences erratic rainfall which is insuffi cient and unreliable. Households primarily depend on fuel wood as a source of energy. As a result, the land has been cleared off trees compounding the effects of environmental degradation on food production in the area. Fuel wood has also become scarce and many house holds use maize Stover’s, dry cow dung or wet wood as fuel in their cooking activities. These are clear indicators of shortages in availability of fuel wood in the area.

In 2008, the programme in consultation with the community identifi ed the need to train women in the area on establishment of energy saving stoves as a step towards providing a solution to use of less wood fuel. Other than the energy saving stoves, the women were also trained on other methods of conserving energy such as use of tea cosy to keep the tea hot, fi reless cookers and solar cook kits. The women are now able to save time in terms of collecting fuel wood as well us use little amounts of fuel wood available for longer periods of time. The devices have also enabled women to manage their time by cooking food in the morning and placing it in the oven for use later in the day.

Mrs. Jane Wangui using her Maendeleo jiko to cook


A close-up shot of the maendeleo jiko

As a result of these initiatives, the group members are now celebrating “a break through” in using “less fuel wood to cook more food in a short time”. Mrs. Jane Wangui, a member of the group, says “I use only two pieces of wood to cook dinner at home now that I have a maendeleo jiko. My previous three-stone jiko used to cost me up to ten pieces of wood to cook dinner for my family” “What is outstanding is that I can cook on two pots at the same time on my new double energy saving stove/ jiko!” Another group member, Ms. Hellen Nyanjira adds. Lake Nakuru poultry Group is also training other women in the village on establishing the energy saving stoves as well as generating income from the installation of these stoves. The groups is planning to establish woodlots of fast growing trees on their farms where they will be getting wood fuel easily.

CASE STUDY 5; Harnessing the Potentials of Drip Irrigation

Due to the intervention by the programme on Drip Irrigation, a number of community members have benefi ted as shown in the caption. Grace Njeri Njenga indicates that other than the vegetables she gets that is a source of food for the household, she sells it to the other community members and with the money she intends to put up a bigger house structure that will also serve as a shop to sell groceries for the community.


CASE STUDY 6; Post Election Violence destruction

The post election violence affected some of the families in the Gilgil ABP as shown in the referenced picture. This made a number of them to be in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. As indicated in the Report, partnership with World Vision and the Red Cross Society of Kenya played a key role to those affected.

The Country Director receiving a certificate ofexcellence from the Finish Ambassador for

localizing MDG’s

Representative of the Australian HighCommission during the official launch of the

Drip Irrigation Training Manual

SHA and BAC staff during a visit by SHA CEO,Ray Jordan

Partnership between KARI and CIAT on beansmultiplication

One of the BAC staff planting a tree during oneof the joint monitoring visits to Muga

Secondary School in Mitimingi

Promotion of sanitation through use ofDish Rack

SHA Annual Report 2008 Pictorial

SHA Annual Report 2008 Pictorial

Community’s efforts in harnessing water Project launch of the SHA/CDTF Partnership onEnvironmental Advocacy

Members of the Country Advisory Committee andGovernment of Kenya officials

during a past ceremony

Equipment support through funding from gorta

Community members promoting bee keepingin partnership with FHI (APHIA II)

One of the farmers demonstrating how to usedrip irrigation technology


3.0 Main Factors affecting Country Plan Performance

A number of factors that affected the Country Plan Performance largely emanated from those of policy and legislative reforms and those that are socio-cultural in nature. That notwithstanding, those emanating from the effects of the post election violence had a heavy impact, while some will take a number of years to reverse. These are itemized hereunder:

• Recovery of seed/grain was generally low and this affected the amount of farm inputs the FAs could purchase for their members. To solve this, the programme will work with the FAs to have a community monitoring system/mechanism that will follow up on FA activities including crops when they are in the fi eld.• There was high turnover among Community’s Own Resource Persons (CORPs), either due to the post election crisis or through taking up fulltime employment. This issue has not been solved. However, in some cases the affected villages selected replacements but this has not worked well because they lack basic training to help them execute their responsibilities. Refresher training will be provided.• Early onset of the dry spell affected the realization of such activities like tree planting and sunfl ower growing. Inadequate rainfall continued to affect the performance of crops in the fi eld and led to crop failure in the programme area.• There is increased infl ation (now stands at 31%), high food and fuel prices. This means farmers are now spending more of their income on food thus leaving very little resources for other needs. This has generally affected community contribution towards drip kits and community food stores hence delayed project implementation.• Human wildlife confl ict continues to hamper crop production especially in Eburru.• Tribal tensions still exist especially in the programme areas. In Gilgil ABP, this is in Kiambogo and Mitimingi extension areas while in Kamara ABP it is far from being addressed. The issue is not fully solved because it’s a continuous process through organized peace meetings and community sensitization on good neighborliness.

4.0 Organizational Development

The capacity of the organization has been robust and well prepared to meet the challenges of the year besides implementing the Strategic Plan. During the year under review, we hosted the SHA Chief Executive Offi cer (CEO), Country Directors, Board Members and Senior Programme staff for a one week session on the development of a three year (2009-2011) Strategic Plan for SHA. In addition, the following were some of the trainings and exposure sessions that were undertaken (but building upon previous trainings and exposure visits):

• There was a Human Resource review that was conducted through the head offi ce in Ireland to identify HR issues for planning purpose and intervention. One of the key outcomes of this was staff training on Safety and First Aid.

• There was a one week training session on Peace Building that was co-funded and facilitated by World Vision that has commenced a 15 year intervention in Elementaita Division upto 2023. The aim of the training was to equip staff and collaborators with basic skills and information on peace building in the community in response to the post election violence.

• There were quarterly staff and collaborators sensitization trainings on issues of HIV and AIDS. These covered a wide range of issues ranging from; Nutrition, Anti Retroviral therapy, Counseling, Post Test Clubs (PTCs) and general positive living. We also covered training on Home Based Care and its’ application. This provided vital information on the whole range of HIV and AIDS that was useful at the individual level, workplace and the community.

• BAC Staff also took part in Psycho Traumatic diffusion training that was held in two series with the aim of providing support to staff that were affected by the effects of the post election violence. This session enabled staff to re-establish relationships with each other that were shattered by the violence as the staff come from some of the communities that were targeted as coming from the “wrong tribes”.


The component of overall progamme support has also been effectively handled during the reporting period since programme support is key in realization of the Strategic Plan of any organization. These were realized through:

• The SHA Kenya Country programme staff held a joint quarterly monitoring meeting with the BAC/ SHA colleagues that was hosted rotationally. These meetings are used for refl ection purposes and to assess what has been realized against set targets while planning for the next quarter.• Both the Gilgil ABP and BAC/SHA staff held team and technical staff meetings where administrative issues and programmatic work are discussed.• Field visits and follow-ups were also done as part of programme support. These were conducted both in a structured manner or sometimes impromptu by the Country Director and the respective Programme Managers.• Staff Appraisal for SHA Kenya staff were carried out during the fi rst quarter of reporting period.• Staff capacity enhancement has also been obtained through programme support visit that was conducted by the Head Offi ce in Ireland’s Programe Support Offi cer (Pat Mulcahy), Information and Technology Offi cer (Shay Downey) and Fund Raising offi cers (Miriam Enright). Signifi cant was also the Visit by the SHA CEO Ray Jordan who was accompanied by the Human Resource Offi cer; Evelyn Doyle.

5.0 Networking, Partnerships, Dissemination and Public relations

The programme continued to collaborate closely with the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock especially in organizing and participating in farmers’ fi eld days. The ministries were also involved in joint planning, implementation and monitoring of the programme activities. The Provincial Administration through the Chiefs and District Offi cers on the other hand continued to support the programme especially on community mobilization.

During the reporting period, we attended a result areas quarterly meeting organized by APHIA II Rift Valley. APHIA II Rift Valley has been implementing programmes in Nakuru for the last one and a half years in the three areas of Clinical Services, Community HIV prevention and Community Support Services. In these three result areas, APHIA II programme has been working closely with various implementing partners including government ministries and organizations, faith based organizations and the private sector. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen linkages and collaboration amongst partners and provide programme feedback as well as explore ways of enhancing service delivery to the community in the District.

Separately, we participated in a one day workshop organized by Resource Confl ict Institute (RECONCILE) in collaboration with Kenya Land Alliance (KLA). The objectives of the workshop was to sensitize members on the Draft National Land Policy (DNLP), to build in support from the members and strengthen advocacy strategies on land issues, to strategize on how to get the draft land policy incorporated into the constitution making process and to elect representatives to attend the national land forum when organized. As a result of the workshop, all the programme staff received a simplifi ed version of the DNLP and will in turn used it to sensitize the community on land issues.

At the provincial level, we participated in the launch of the National Integrated Monitoring and Education System (NIMES). NIMES is a mechanism of measuring performance at the ministerial and individual levels through the performance contracting and performance appraisal system at Sectoral, District and National levels. This is done through administrative data, survey and census data collection, service delivery and participatory poverty assessment. The meeting provided an opportunity for better understanding on new emerging issues within the government thus enhancing collaboration without confl icting roles.

At the District level, we participated in the Naivasha District Agricultural Committee meeting. The meeting was attended by Divisional and District heads of departments from the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock and Water, Non Governmental Organizations, like SHA also attended. The meeting was useful in discussing technical issues affecting food security in the District i.e out break of Pest Petitis Ruminants (PPR) in small ruminants, crop failure, crop diseases like head smut in maize and the availability of CAN fertilizer at National Cereals and Produce


Board (NCPB) for farmers at a subsidized price. The forums provided an opportunity to share progress made by the programme in addressing food insecurity in the District.

We were also involved in a review meeting organized by Kenya Agricultural Research Institute/International Center of Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) on drought tolerant bean bulking. The meeting focused mainly on variety performance, training and what ought to be done differently to improve bean bulking. As a way forward, it was agreed that there is need to scale up the production of beans that performed well in terms of yields and capacity to withstand drought, promote exchange of bean varieties among farmers, develop and provide a harmonized training manual on bean bulking and conduct village based planting demonstrations to improve adoption.

We took part in a meeting that targets all Irish Aid funded partners through the MAPS. This is a forum of sharing experiences and learning on best practices for various initiatives like HIV and AIDS. We also sit in the Board of Agriculture and Rural Development Programme (ARDP) one of the programmes of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru where we share experiences and provide Governance to the Programme. On the other hand, we were involved in two separate meetings organized by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) secretariat. The fi rst meeting was to assess the implementation of the MDG project within the District and discuss any emerging issues and the second one was to offi cially bring to an end the MDGs localization activities that were being implemented by various partners. During the later, Self Help Africa received a certifi cate of exemplary performance.

Also, the programme was represented in the launch of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) social audit guide organized by Center for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG). CEDGG is a grass root civil society organization that works to empower vulnerable groups on their governance and development issues. The guide promotes public participation in democratic governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights in awarding grants, developing programmes and bringing together diverse civil society leaders and groups. As a result of the meeting, the programme received two copies of the CDF guide for use by staff and for the resource center.

Still on advocacy, the programme was also involved in a public forum on appreciating our diversity. The forum was organized by CEDGG on behalf of Uraia (Citizenry) and Citizen Television. The objective of the forum was to bring together members of the public to discuss their diverse nature and deliberate on the way forward for peaceful co-existence. This stemmed from the need to discuss issues of co-existence as a result of the effects of the post election violence.

On the other hand, we participated in a meeting organized by the Non Governmental Organizations Co-ordination Board whose objectives were; to provide NGOs with accurate information on the planned third phase of the national survey to validate and update data available at the Board and to update NGOs on up to date regulatory and administrative guidelines. This was aimed at; generating information that will enable the Board implement a proportionate approach in its enablement and regulation of NGOs, develop a framework for measuring and demonstrating the contribution of the NGO sector to the national economy and the overall development of the country, enable the Board generate data to guide improved facilitation and regulation of the NGO sector and improve public confi dence and good will towards the NGO sector. The validation survey was held on 13th to 18th October, 2008.

The partnership with BAC was on course through out the year under review. Besides, joint quarterly monitoring and review sessions took place in Gilgil. We also participated in the college’s annual cultural day, fi eld day as well as the graduation ceremony.

At the Divisional level, we worked closely with other service providers among them; Kenya Seed Company, Syngeta, National Hospital Insurance Fund, Norbrook, Twiga Chemicals and HCDA among others. The service providers came together during farmers’ fi eld days, trainings and demonstrations in all the extension areas. This initiative has continuously enhanced farmers’ knowledge on the availability of other service providers thus providing for useful linkages.

Separately, the programme participated in a Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting training organized by Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) for all its partners implementing Environmental Advocacy projects. The training


objectives were to; create a common understanding on advocacy amongst partners, train partners on monitoring of advocacy projects and guide them on developing tools for monitoring of advocacy projects. The training was useful since it improved skills of partners in monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the projects at hand with the development of monitoring plans and logical frameworks for each project.

In the horticultural sector, we participated in a sensitization workshop on eliminating use of Methyl Bromide (MB) in horticultural production as a soil fumigant. The workshop was informative on the aspects of soil treatment to control soil borne pathogens that are a major problem to horticultural farmers. Small scale soil fumigation using Metham sodium was discussed as a viable practice that can help small scale farmers eradicate common vegetable nursery diseases without depleting the ozone layer.

We also took part in the Strategic Development Process of Kenya Rain Water Association (KRA) 2009-2015 to which we are members. This was useful as part of sharing experience in Rain Water management that we are undertaking through the Drip Irrigation project.

At the national level we were involved in developing a national environment policy for Kenya. The policy seeks to create harmony among existing sectoral policies related to environment and natural resource management. It will harmonize national development goals with environmental strategies. The resulting policy instruments will in the long term promote poverty reduction and environmental sustainability as envisioned by the Economic Recovery Strategy and Vision 2030. We also took part in the Africa for a Green Revolution (AGRA’s) Policy Makers and Private Sector Convening in Nairobi that provided opportunities on small holder farmers in rural areas to partner; a process that we can tap into as an organization.

Lastly, an annual stake holder’s forum was held. The forum discussed the progress of the programme while highlighting the activities planned for the year 2009. The forum was attended by 221 participants drawn from community representatives, collaborators, partners, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Micro-Finance Institutions. During the forum, the Drip Irrigation Training Manual was launched, with the representative from Australian High Commission being the guest of honor. Other guests represented included; the Provincial Director of Agriculture, Representatives from Farming Systems Kenya and Family Health International (APHIA II).

6.0 Programme Development Opportunities

The Government through the devolved system of resource allocation has set up through separate Acts of Parliament; the Constituency Development Fund (CDF-Rerecua Water Project benefi ted from a support of One Million Kenya Shillings), Local Authority Transfer Fund (LATF), Constituency Aids Development Fund, Constituency Bursary Fund etc. that we have been able to tap into. Such processes have been found useful for facilitating sustainability of development processes.

Contrary to the initial plan rollout, we did not commence both Area Based Programmes in Rongai, Nakuru District and Capacity Building programme in Uasin Gishu District as earlier envisaged. There has been a shift in the Capacity Building Programme which has meant that rather than focusing on Agro-Forestry, a new CBP will be phased in the Gilgil ABP in 2011.

Farmers’ fi eld days and Agricultural Shows have presented themselves as opportunities that have been tapped by both the Gilgil ABP and BAC/SHA. These have provided information to both farmers and Programme staff on new technologies and development in the whole development arena of Food Security and Livelihoods. Farmers and staff learnt the following: Farm planning- model farm; Tree and fruit tree nurseries; Bio- intensive kitchen gardening techniques/methods (double digging, mandala garden and multi-storey gardens); Drought Tolerant Crop varieties – Maize (DHO2, DHO4, H515, H516 and H513) cassava and sweet potatoes; Horticulture - growing of cucumber, water melon and butter nut pumpkin; Spraying Techniques and safe use of chemicals; Livestock enterprises – Dairy cattle, Dairy goats, Doper sheep, poultry, rabbits and beekeeping; Zero Grazing and Artifi cial Insemination (AI); Energy saving devices; Small holders farm machinery - hand pumps and balers ; Agro chemicals and Food processing and value addition. Follow ups have revealed that a number of farmers are already utilizing these knowledge and skills.


Overall, the use of Government Baraza sessions have been useful as forums where we can sensitize and mobilize the communities along a given development issue.

Other partnerships that the Country Programme has been involved in include;

1.0 Drip Irrigation under funding support by Australian small grants programme

The Drip Irrigation project was funded by Australian AID small grants programme. The need for this project arose from the premise that SHA is implementing a food security and livelihoods programme in Gilgil and Elementaita Divisions of Naivasha District and one of the constraints is inadequate water for agricultural production hence the need for effi cient use of the little water that is available through methods like drip irrigation. For small holder farmers, drip irrigation provides a means of maximizing returns on their cropland by increasing the economic biomass production per unit of water and increasing cropping intensity by also growing a crop during the dry season.

Key achievements of the project include; the procurement of 370 drip kits and distribution of 208 drip kits through a revolving scheme of the Farmers Associations (FAs). The remaining kits are in the custody of the FA for distribution to community members. Farmers have also acquired knowledge and skills in assembling, maintenance and utilization of drip kits, onion production, value addition to agricultural produce and marketing. The project also realized the development of a drip irrigation training manual which was published. The launch of the manual was done in December, 2008 during the stakeholders’ forum.

Main Challenges to the project included; the post election violence that destabilized the community, ever increasing infl ation thus leading to high cost of living and in adequate rainfall to facilitate runoff water harvesting for use during the off season.

2.0 Localization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Gilgil and Elementaita Divisions

During the reporting period, the programme engaged in a three month project on localization of MDGs. Activities undertaken under this project include; preparation, translation, production and distribution of 4,500 posters, 5000 brochures and 8 banners, workshops, sports activity and community meetings targeting both leaders and community members were also held. Overall, 1,281 people were reached directly.

During the MDGs project implementation process, SHA had the opportunity to sensitize the key stakeholders in development on the MDG Targets. Key lessons learnt included; Civil Society Organizations have opportunities to contribute to the changes required to meet the vision of the MDGs declaration, the millennium declaration requires long and sustained campaigns to ensure that fundamental information is available to the local communities and in a language they understand to draw the attention of the decision makers and change mindsets of offi cials to change priorities and policies, political will to convert the millennium declaration into reality, policy reforms and timely engagement of the District Development Offi cers (DDO) in MDGs initiatives.

3.0 Strengthening of Safety Nets for Individuals and Families made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS

This is an initiative of AIDS Population Health Integrated Assistance II (APHIA II) Rift Valley through Family Health International (FHI) under result area three on community support services. The project is being implemented in Marigat, Eldama Ravine/Mogotio, Njoro, Barut and Gilgil Divisions and commenced in June, 2008. The following are some of the activitieis that were undertaken; Livelihood strengthening through beekeeping; to facilitate families made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS to improve their livelihoods, the project trained 134 households (108 female headed and 26 male headed) on various aspects of beekeeping. The project also procured and distributed 60 Kenya Top Bar Bee Hives and other beekeeping equipments for the support groups. The skills acquired and materials provided have been useful in setting up viable beekeeping enterprises by the support groups.

Strengthening food security; 12 demonstrations on kitchen gardening techniques were held for 12 support groups


and assorted vegetable seeds procured and distributed to the groups. This directly targeted 184 households (144 female headed and 40 male headed). The establishment of kitchen gardens has improved access to fresh and nutritious vegetables for People Living With HIV and AIDS and reduced dependence on food relief which is unreliable and unsustainable.

Trainings on poultry and dairy goat production were also conducted and construction of model housing.

4.0 Environmental Advocacy through Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) partnership.

This is an intervention aimed at addressing environmental conservation within the whole of Mau Catchment. It is premised on the understanding that if no sustained intervention is undertaken now then some of the key water sources like Lake Nakuru, Naivasha and Elementaita will soon dry up due to man made actions. This is an 18 Month partnership with CDTF and by the close of 2008 only three notable actions had been undertaken; signing of the Financing Agreement (FA), Composition of the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) and the Project’s formal launch.

5.0 Drought Tolerant Bean bulking project

Bean bulking in Gigil and Elementaita Divisions is an initiative of International Center of Tropical Crops (CIAT) through Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Katumani. The project sought to have these farmers bulk the seed and produce good quality bean seed for planting as well as return 7.5 kgs to their respective FAs towards a seed revolving scheme while they either sell or utilize the remainder of the seed. This activity involved; identifi cation of 40 farmers (30 males and 10 females) to participate in the bean bulking project. The farmers went through a one day training on issues of seed bulking by staff of KARI Katumani. They were each given 5 kgs of bean seed to bulk. SHA on the other hand supported each farmer with 25 kgs of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) 18:46:0 fertilizer for planting. Out of the anticipated 300 kg of beans to be returned to the Farmers Associations (FAs), 160 kg were recovered by the FAs. The defi cit was due to inadequate rainfall experienced during the cropping season that led to low yields and in some instances crop failure.


7.0 Financial Overview

Considerable improvements were made by SHA and BAC/SHA in fi nancial procedures and controls to ensure that accurate, complete and timely fi nancial reports are available for accountability when required. Throughout 2008 procedures remained in place to ensure that assets are subject to proper controls. The audits of SHA have been undertaken by Ernst and Young while those of BAC/SHA have been be undertaken by KANG’EA & ASSOCIATES (Certifi ed Public Accountants, Kenya) as shown in KES hereunder;

INCOME EXPENDITURE

1. Admin & Programmes (Direct and Admin. Costs) 37,570,286.00 Other Income 1,297,179.00 2. Total Programme and Administration Costs 37,631,207.00

3. Designated Funds • AuSAID (Secured in 2007) 3,130,000.00 1,800,000.00• gorta 6,414,459.00 4,696,422.00• UNDP Kenya- MDGs 2,522,313.00 2,522,313.00• FHI (APHIA II) 3,935,673.00 2,516,967.00• CDTF ADVOCACY 2,859,600.00 2,945.00• COUNTRY DIRECTORS MEETING 493,500.00 493,500.00

BAC/SHA INCOME EXPENDITURE BALANCE C/D

1. Balance b/f as at January 1st 2008 2,079,686.00 a) Income: Admin & Programmes (Direct & Admin. Costs) 9,263,508.00 b) Other Income : Misean Cara 500,000.00 : Water for Ireland 493,727.00

2. a) Direct Costs : ABP Kamara/Tenges 1,842,272.00 : BDU 1,360,378.00 b) Administration & Establishment: ABP Kamara/Tenges 4,607,861.00 : BDU 2,045,625.00 : General Administration 1,061,696.00

TOTAL 12,336,921.00 10,917,832.00 1,419,089.00

We took part in three series of Tax seminars that are organized by the various audit fi rms for NGO’s once the Government releases the budget. One of these however was organized by SHA Kenya Auditor; Ernst and Young.


8.0 Programme Impact and Sustainability

The following are key Country Programme impacts realized during the reporting period;

Food Security: Farmers are diversifying their food and income sources through growing of crops like sweet potatoes, cash crops like sunfl ower and high value crops like onions. These is cushioning them more on shocks that come with crop failure and low prices on agricultural produce. Farmers are changing their attitudes and are more willing to utilize new technologies and farming practices like drip irrigation thus reducing over reliance on rain fed agriculture.

Yields from livestock have increased – milk and eggs, however, crop yields were adversely affected by drought and majority of farmers reported crop failure.

Reduced food defi cit period: Maize which is the staple food in the Division and is grown by all the households can now last an average of six months. At baseline in 2005, households experienced food defi cit for 12 months. This means that now households are food secure for at least six months in a year. Households that have diversifi ed food production by growing crops like sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes and beans are reporting no food defi cit throughout the year. These crops supplement the stored maize thus providing food for the household throughout the year.

Health: Key impact in HIV and AIDS mainstreaming has been increase in awareness which has led to demand for VCT services at the community level and the community’s ability to come up with their own initiatives in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS. For the fi rst time, 16 PLWHAs came up and formed a support group that will help them come to terms with their status and provide psychosocial support to each other. Support to these people in terms of food and livelihood security has improved quality of life among them.

Access to health care services has improved for at least over 7000 households with the supply of basic health equipments to 4 health centers in Elementaita and Gilgil Division. Distances to health facilities has also decreased from about 25 km to a maximum of 5 km due to the provision of health services within the health centers that were otherwise being provided only at the Gilgil Sub District hospital.

Community health and nutrition volunteers have been able to utilize skills learnt by reaching out to groups within their villages with HIV and AIDS messages, hygiene and sanitation and Home Based Care for People Living with HIV and AIDS. With increased information base at the community level community members are utilizing the information and promoting behavior change among them. It is envisaged that HIV and AIDS mainstreaming will contribute in reducing prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the target area and will be instrumental in changing people’s attitude towards positive behavior change. Consequently, care of the affected and infected persons will stop being a challenge at the community.

Peer educators have been able to utilize skills learnt by reaching out to their school club members and the schools in general with HIV and AIDS messages and general information on life skills. This has been a step towards promoting behavior change among young people.

Gender: 66.5% of households in Gilgil and Elementaita Divisions engage both men and women in decision making of family income generated from sale of crop produce. Also, there are increasing numbers of women with leadership positions within the farmer groups. Women also report that they are now able to attend and participate actively in community meetings.

Community development: Farmers Associations in Kiambogo and Mitimingi through their own initiative mobilized resources and purchased certifi ed seed and fertilizer on behalf of their members. The registration of the Farmers Associations provides new opportunities in engaging with the community on various development activities. The involvement of 4 FAs, 28 CIGs and 3 support groups has improved participation of the rural population in the target area in the development process.


Business Development ServicesRural Finance: Majority (82%) of farmers still report that they have credit needs however, at least 25.6 % of the farmers are able to access credit through group merry go rounds. The programme has been working with Common Interest Groups on improving their fi nancial base through merry go round activities. 25.6% of farmers accessing credit through merry go round is an indication that the community has started mobilizing their own resources for use as credit. Case study 3 showed the steps made towards market linkages.

The putting in place of the Farmers Association (FA) has been a mechanism through which structures have been put in place for the sustainability of our work in Gilgil ABP. This is also strengthened by the collaboration that exists with the different Government Ministries that were earlier alluded to.

The District Bee Keeping Associations have laid a key pillar in making Bee Keeping work to continue and this is an excellent sustainability structure because of it’s support and linkage to Government Ministries that deal with Bee Keeping and the Provincial Administration.


9.0 Country Priorities for year 2009

The Country priorities for year 2009 are infl uenced by both the Government of Kenya Development Priorities and SHA Strategic Plan. This is coupled with review of year 2008 by the staff, community and collaborators in different fora. Also, for SHA, the stakeholders forum held towards the end of 2008 and fi nally, feedback during the visits by different actors/collaborators as shown hereunder:


10.0 Conclusion

For SHA Kenya since it’s inception, 2008 was the third year of operation where we undertook a calendar of activities which were largely in community mobilization, sensitization, organizational development issues coupled with hardware work such as constructions. For BAC/SHA, it was a time of continuing the work that commenced last year while at the Capacity Building Programme, it was a time to consolidate the gains made in the previous phase of the Bee Keeping programme with emphasis to the formation and/or strengthening of the District Bee Keeping Associations.

Our work has been made meaningful by the support of SHA Ireland and UK, the involvement of the Government Line Ministries, Non Governmental Organizations, Research Institutions and of course the community.

Overall, as indicated before hand, a great part of the planned activities were accomplished although these were affected by the impacts of the post election violence.

Self Help Africa - Kenya Annual Report 2008

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