A non-governmental organization in western Kenya, The Sustainable Organic Farming and Development Initiatives (SODFI) is pioneering a transformative approach to agribusiness empowerment and food security in Kakamega and Vihiga counties.
Speaking during a community outreach session, Winnie Tarus, SODFI's Seed Banking Officer, outlined the organization's multi-faceted support strategy that includes free agricultural inputs, comprehensive farmer training, and an innovative seed banking model aimed at enhancing financial independence and sustainability among smallholder farmers. "SODFI provides both aspiring and existing farmers with free starter inputs-typically 20 grams of seeds.
After planting and harvesting, farmers return 30 grams, which goes into a revolving community seed bank that sustains future planting cycles," said Tarus.
The system minimizes startup costs while encouraging self-reliance.
