Self-help Groups
The self-help group appraoch is an initiative which grew from the local land users themselves. Farmers with common interests and goals came together, formed and registered groups and developed constitutions. Conservation agriculture groups started forming in 1997, within two years five groups had been set up in the study area with over 150 members.
The ministry of social services facilitated the registration process. Groups have liased with technology promoters from the ministry of Agriculture, KENDAT(Kenya Network for Draught Animal Technology), and research and development projects, to gain access to technical knowledge. These organisations have set up research and monitoring projects to assess the impact of conservation agriculture in this area. The groups receive more attention from local development partners than individuals would.
The overall purpose behind the formation of groups is to improve house hold food security and raise income. More specific objectives include:-
- Mutual adoption of the technology, enabling group members to improve their farm operation and yields and thereby;
- Creation of opportunities for additional income to help and support each other;
- Sharing knowledge as well as conservation tillage equipment.
For more details consult page number 89 of the link in the reference.
Reference
Where the Land is Greener
