“…Across Africa, cassava is more than just a staple crop, it is … profoundly driving food security, alleviating poverty, fostering sustainable livelihoods…”
IITA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture)
This year, SANGO-Kenya celebrates our 5th anniversary!
We have come so far — the farmers have come so far.
Since the beginning, we have continuously looked for more and better ways to help farmers increase their food and nutrition security, as well as that of their children and other family and household members.
We have significantly increased the number of farmers in the program. When we started, we worked only in one village and we had only 19 women farmers in the program. Today, we are working in 13 villages and there are nearly 800 farmers who are currently in the program or who are graduates.
We have also significantly expanded the crops that we promote to help increase farmers’ access to food, helping to ensure that they are harvesting crops between the two rainy seasons, when they grow the African traditional vegetables that were the original focus of SANGO-Kenya.
One important addition is cassava. “Cassava has greatly improved food security for SANI-Kenya’s* farmers, especially in January when drought makes vegetables scarce,” explained Evance Okoth, the head of our agriculture department, pictured above “Many eat cassava for breakfast and lunch, sell some to buy supper, and use it to make ugali [a starchy dish eaten with almost all meals] and porridge. Our farmers truly appreciate SANI-Kenya for introducing cassava in our region—it has become a lifeline for many households.” [*SANGO-Kenya operates as SANI-Kenya in Kenya.]
Evance and Winnie Odhiambo, our Program Officer and nutritionist, were instrumental in adding cassava to the curriculum three years ago. They knew the many benefits — and also the challenges. Although cassava is popular in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, it can be challenging to grow and prepare. It can be prone to disease and pests, so Evance, working with cassava experts, developed our curriculum to ensure that all of our farmers use the cassava varieties best suited to our region, as well as learn how to prevent pests and diseases using only organic methods. In the event of pests and diseases, the farmers are taught how to spot them early and treat them effectively — and organically.
Similarly, Winnie trains them on the best ways to prepare cassava to ensure maximum nutrition value. She also trains them in drying, grinding, and properly storing for use as flour. Proper preparation is essential, as cassava contains cyanide, but the amount is minimal and harmless when properly prepared.
When we introduced cassava, we knew there would be great nutritional benefits. What we didn’t foresee were the economic benefits.
“Introducing cassava production into the program was a wonderful idea as farmers have benefited so much when it comes to food and nutrition security. Cassava is a rich source of many nutrients — both the root and the leaves. Additionally, farmers sell the cassava cuttings to others for planting, and they use the money to buy other household items,” added Winnie.
She added that cassava can also be sold at market, providing yet another source of income.SANI-Kenya is making in the life of each farmer.
The farmers and their kids love it. One of our farmers told us “I never used to plant cassava until it was introduced by SANI-Kenya. After tasting it, I came to like it, and interestingly, my family also loves it so much that they cannot take porridge unless it is made from cassava flour. Today, cassava is a must-have in my farm because it truly sustains us, especially during times of drought. I am grateful to SANI-Kenya.”
Husbands also really appreciate it: “We were forced to use the little money we have to buy mandazis [fried dough] or chapatis [a type of bread] for our kids for snacks. These may not sustain them well through the day. Thank you for coming up with cassava. It will save us!”
And we thank you!
None of this would be possible without you and your generous support.
Please consider a gift to SANGO-Kenya to help us continue this important work.
Your support is more important now than ever.
Erokamano! Thank you! With much gratitude,
SANGO-Kenya farmers, Winnie, Evance, Peter, Franck, Connie, and Kit
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Photos: Etan Rozin
www.rozinphotos.com
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