Kenya

Improving Chia and Sesame Smallholders’ Livelihoods through Climate-Smart Practices

Organisation

Kenya Organic Agriculture Network

Website

Support area

Adaptation to climate change

Funding

208741.50 €

Project duration

Sep, 2025 – Aug, 2027

Climate change and extreme weather events are threatening the livelihoods of farmers in the western region of Kenya on the border with Uganda and Lake Victoria. Producers have made efforts to adapt to the ongoing drought and extreme rainfall. Nevertheless, further actions are needed to improve the resilience of the rural population. This IKI Small Grants project aims to improve the livelihoods and climate resilience of smallholder farmers in chia and sesame cultivation. Activities focus on training producers in appropriate climate-friendly technologies for better cash crop production. The project supports the improvement of existing value chains as well as political engagement and lobbying. Among other things, the capacities of the Busia Oil Crops Cooperative Society and the involvement of civil society are being strengthened.

Sustainable Development Goals

03 – Eradicate diseases and address emerging health issues

05 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Capacity development

In addition to providing of funding, IKI Small Grants supports KOAN in their organisational capacity through:

Project management and data Analysis
Review of strategic plan
Updating organization policies and operation guidelines

About the organisation

Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) is a national membership organization for organic agriculture in Kenya. KOAN was formed to coordinate, facilitate and provide leadership and professional services to all members and other stakeholders in the organic agriculture industry in Kenya. Membership is driven from farmers, traders, exporters, input suppliers, CBOs, NGOs, service providers (extension officers, certification bodies) and research institutions.