Local Partner: Rupa Farmers Self Help Group.
Background and objective: The Oromo people of Northern Kenya have intact traditional knowledge of farming. They practice a mixed farming system, a major source of income and wellbeing. Farming is practiced along the banks of Ewaso Nyiro River. Supporting this indigenous community in the production of these food crops will a significant impact on food security and social economic wellbeing hence the project aims to identify and bring together local farmers (men and women) in the Merti region of Isiolo County, Northern Kenya in order to support their modern and traditional farming initiatives and techniques. The project hopes to facilitate a meeting of farmers and community groups with the relevant government ministry on the practice of modern f+H32arming techniques in the region. It will also document the milk churning process to produce natural ghee, milk cooling process, and harvesting of honey and heating to produce natural honey and promote knowledge exchange between farmers in the region and outside, and as a result enhance cohesion and co-existence. School children will participate to learn the practice of both traditional and modern farming techniques from elders and farmers, an activity that also will enhance knowledge transmission. Local partner information: Rupa Farmers Self Help Group is a community group based in Isiolo County, Merti South-Cherab Ward. The group was formed in 2005 and officially registered on 7th June 2007 with the ministry of Gender and Social Development. The group is practicing farming activities along Ewaso Nyiro River in Merti town. The group brings together members from poor and vulnerable groups with the aim of fighting poverty and food insecurity among individual members and society living within Merti town and its surroundings. Gender issues have been put into consideration: the group consists of 10 women and 3 men, with each individual member participating in all group undertakings. Its mission is to promote healthy living through provision of balanced nutrition . Its objectives are to enhance food security ,improve Livelihood status promote sustainable use of natural resources , health improvement through balanced nutrition and build climate change resilience of the group and the community
