Kalawani Joint CBO: Empowering Farmers through Collective Effort
In the vibrant region of Kalawani, Mbooni West Constituency in Makueni County, you will meet the Kalawani Joint Community-Based Organization (CBO). Home to 275 sunflower growers across nine groups, this CBO has become an example of resilience and innovation, thanks to the strategic support from Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HIHEA).
The Kalawani Joint CBO was born out of a collective need to address the challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Established with a membership of devoted individuals from Kalawani village, the CBO’s primary focus is sunflower farming—a value chain with immense potential. Through HIHEA’s comprehensive training modules, members have honed their leadership skills, strengthened their savings culture, and enhanced their financial planning and budgeting capabilities. This training has not only improved sunflower farming but also diversified their income sources, including green groceries, vegetable farming, poultry farming, and mango farming.
The CBO’s journey towards improved agricultural practices began with farmer training sessions, organized to boost farm production. HIHEA facilitated these sessions through demonstration farms and provided extension officers to support the CBO’s constituent self-help groups.
These efforts resulted in a significant increase in farm production, rising from 20% to 50% through the adoption of good agricultural practices.
Initially, the CBO sold raw sunflower to off-takers who extracted oil and sold the sunflower cakes at higher profits. Realizing the potential for greater earnings, the CBO conducted a market survey on sunflower oil and identified promising markets within Kalawani and beyond. With HIHEA’s guidance, members received training on sunflower oil extraction and certification through KIRDI, a government body specializing in value addition
In July 2023, with support from HIHEA’s innovation fund, the CBO acquired a sunflower oil extraction machine. This investment was a game-changer, allowing members to extract and sell sunflower oil and seed cake to schools, hotels, and local consumers. The demand for sunflower oil, due to its nutritional value, has soared, resulting in a 40% increase in member profits. Additionally, the machine serves non-members at a fee, generating extra income for the CBO.
Looking ahead, the CBO aims to have their sunflower oil certified, enabling them to explore broader markets beyond the local community. Certification will open new opportunities and ensure their products meet high-quality standards, further boosting their profitability.
The success of the Kalawani Joint CBO is a testament to the power of collective effort and innovative support. With the continued guidance of HIHEA, the CBO members are well on their way to transforming their livelihoods, fostering sustainable development, and setting an example for other communities.
The members of Kalawani Joint CBO express their heartfelt gratitude to Hand in Hand Eastern Africa for the unwavering support and transformative training provided. Their journey from small-scale farmers to successful entrepreneurs is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and strategic collaboration.
“Long live Hand in Hand,” echoes the CBO chair, Jackson Mbaluto, encapsulating the profound impact HIHEA has had on their community
Take a moment to watch their transformative journey. Click Here to Watch