A Herbal Medicine of the Past with a Bright Future
In the heart of Laikipia East Sub County, within the community of Ngamini, farmers have long struggled with adverse weather conditions leading to low yields and high production costs. The persistent droughts have only compounded these challenges, leaving many community members unable to meet market demands or fulfill their basic needs.
Enter KIANG Community-Based Organization (CBO), established in late 2020 by a group of local farmers determined to overcome these obstacles. Initially focused on the poultry value chain, the CBO’s primary objective was to learn about poultry management, turning poultry farming into a viable enterprise. Through the support and training provided by Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HIHEA), the CBO achieved remarkable success in poultry farming. However, the ambition of its members did not stop there. To further boost their income, they decided to diversify into chamomile farming, a crop well suited to their climate, as it required minimal water and land.
Under the guidance of HIHEA, the CBO members gained valuable knowledge in good agricultural practices specifically for chamomile farming. Partnering with Saumu Empire as their off takers, the CBO initially found a market for their chamomile. However, when the company disintegrated, the farmers faced significant market challenges. Adapting swiftly, they decided to add value to their chamomile to fetch better prices.
HIHEA provided the CBO with a disc mill, enabling them to process, package, and brand their chamomile, significantly increasing its market value. Despite facing marketing challenges due to the need for certification, one dedicated CBO member underwent certification training at KIRDI, and their chamomile now awaits certification. This endeavor has equipped members with new skills in value addition, crop diversification, and organic farming techniques, which they have applied to their personal farms as well.
The disc mill has proved immensely beneficial, not only for processing chamomile but also for producing feed for their poultry. The forthcoming certification is expected to open new market opportunities, ensuring a steady and sustainable income stream for the CBO members due to the high demand for chamomile.
Looking ahead, the KIANG CBO plans to open a dedicated processing unit for chamomile, aiming to see their branded products on supermarket shelves. The members of KIANG CBO express profound gratitude to Hand in Hand Eastern Africa for their transformative support, which has significantly impacted their lives and enterprises.
From overcoming climate challenges to diversifying income sources and embracing innovative agricultural practices, the journey of KIANG CBO is a powerful proof of resilience and the transformative power of strategic support. Their story is an inspiring and great example of how communities can adapt, thrive, and build sustainable futures with the right guidance and resources.
Take a moment to watch their transformative journey. Click Here to Watch