WOMEN
-- Empowering Local Farmer's Communities --
- Opportunities for Youth Engagement in Agrifood Systems: Limited financial resources hinder youth participation in agriculture; however, DUOL FARMERS CBO targeted loans, grants, and innovative financing models, along with financial literacy programmes, has been key to enable young entrepreneurs to invest and grow their agribusiness ventures like fish business as being done by a youth member Ms. Judy Ochieng and egg business being done by Ms. RosebellaOluoch.
- Enhancing youth access to land, resources, and finance: DUOL FARMERS CBO hasEstablished and developed youth friendly tailored financial solutions such as credit guarantee schemes and blended finance models to support young agripreneurs. Youth farmers
- Modern approach: DUOL FARMERS CBO Young farmers throughworkshops and Trainingsare moving away from traditional farming by adopting technology, focusing on high-value crops like horticulture,fish and poultry, and leveraging digital financial services.
- Economic opportunity: DUOL FARMERS CBO Young Farmers and their engagement in fish, egg and honey businesses is seen as a way to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote innovation within the agrifood sector.
- Support programs: DUOL FARMERS CBO Young Farmers and various initiatives likeMama Samaki programs from Echo Network Africa Foundation YiSA from MasterCardfoundation on Aquaculture projects and trainings programs from Green Ork Farm aim to make agriculture an attractive career by offering training in agribusiness, providing access to modern equipment and seeds, and promoting youth leadership
- Political participation: DUOL FARMERS CBO by sending youth to different empowerment program and workshops she has ensured Securing women's equal participation in leadership at her and decision-making roles at all levels is a priority. Ensured the youth wing is 85% women leadership while the women wing is represented 100% women. The main team is 45% Women
Moreover, equipping youth with modern agricultural skills through training programmes, collaborations, and hands-on learning opportunities enhances their productivity, competitiveness, and ability to adopt innovative agricultural practices.