In Kenya’s vibrant agricultural landscape, the Kenya Small Scale Farmers Forum (KESSFF) stands as a beacon of hope for small-scale farmers. Established in the wake of the 2002 UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, KESSFF is a grassroots, village-based network dedicated to empowering small-scale farmers (SSFs) across Kenya. As part of the larger Eastern and Southern Africa Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF), KESSFF works tirelessly to amplify the voices of rural farmers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to navigate domestic and global agricultural challenges.
A Mission Rooted in Empowerment
KESSFF’s core mission is to strengthen the capacity of small-scale farmers to address critical issues such as market access, credit availability, and policy advocacy. By focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the organization empowers farmers to contribute to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Through training and advocacy, KESSFF ensures that farmers are not just participants but active decision-makers in shaping agricultural policies and practices.
“We bring together small-scale farmers to articulate issues affecting them, from domestic policies to global trade agreements,” says Justus Lavi Mungau Mwololo, KESSFF’s National Chairman. This human-centered approach has enabled the organization to make significant strides in improving livelihoods across rural Kenya.
Global Engagement, Local Impact
KESSFF’s influence extends far beyond Kenya’s borders. The organization has actively participated in high-profile international platforms, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union, and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). KESSFF has also contributed to African Union deliberations, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP).
As the facilitator for the East African Civil Society Mechanism in the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Committee on World Food Security, KESSFF has played a pivotal role in shaping global food security policies. The organization has worked to domesticate the Voluntary Guidelines on Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries, and Forests, ensuring that national food security systems reflect the needs of small-scale farmers.
Innovative Solutions for Modern Challenges
KESSFF’s response to emerging challenges is both innovative and practical. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected urban food systems, KESSFF championed the UN’s Urban Farming project, launched in Nairobi in 2021. This initiative is now expanding to other cities, promoting sustainable food production in urban areas.
In 2021, KESSFF signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), Africa’s latest smart city. This partnership focuses on greening Konza City while prioritizing food security through sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating technology and agriculture, KESSFF is helping to create a model for smart, food-secure cities across the continent.
At the grassroots level, KESSFF’s Runoff Rain Water Harvesting Projects (RWHP) are transforming lives in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). These projects capture rainwater for agricultural and domestic use, reducing the burden on women who previously walked long distances to fetch water. The initiative has also decreased school dropouts among girls, boosted food production, and created agribusiness opportunities for youth. Additionally, increased tree cover from these projects serves as carbon sinks, contributing to Kenya’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A Catalyst for Social and Economic Change
KESSFF’s work has far-reaching social and economic benefits. By improving access to water and agricultural resources, the organization has enhanced nutrition levels, reduced healthcare costs, and created employment opportunities, particularly for young people. These efforts align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the global push for sustainable development.
The organization’s focus on gender equity is particularly noteworthy. By reducing the time women spend fetching water, KESSFF has empowered them to engage in income-generating activities and community leadership. Similarly, by addressing barriers to education for girls, KESSFF is helping to break cycles of poverty and inequality.
Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
KESSFF is actively seeking partnerships with like-minded organizations to scale its impact. With its extensive global exposure and access to funding opportunities, KESSFF offers mutual benefits for collaborators interested in advancing sustainable agriculture and rural development. The organization invites partners to engage through techno-commercial inputs and joint fundraising initiatives.
As KESSFF continues to grow, its commitment to authenticity and resilience remains unwavering. By centering the needs of small-scale farmers, the organization is not only transforming Kenya’s agricultural sector but also setting a precedent for grassroots-led change across Africa.
For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, visit KESSFF’s website or contact Justus Lavi Mungau Mwololo at +254711754515.
