School Garden Initiative.
This entry has been selected as a finalist in the
Cultivating Innovation: Solutions for Rural Communities competition.
The School garden initiative aims at Inculcating positive values on food, agriculture and environment in growing youth. It teaches sustainable agriculture and nutrition which form basis for stable livelihood and informed consumption habits. The gardens are demonstration and seed multiplication centers for community contributing towards food security and biodiversity conservation
About You
Location
Project Street Address
Michinda primary school
Project City
Elburgon Town.
Project Province/State
Rift valley Province
Project Postal/Zip Code
20106
Project Country
Kenya
Your idea
Country your work focuses on:
Kenya.
Website URL
YouTube Upload
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1-5 years
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
<$50
Name Your Project
School Garden Initiative.
Describe Your Idea
The School garden initiative aims at Inculcating positive values on food, agriculture and environment in growing youth. It teaches sustainable agriculture and nutrition which form basis for stable livelihood and informed consumption habits. The gardens are demonstration and seed multiplication centers for community contributing towards food security and biodiversity conservation
Innovation
Describe your idea in fewer than 50 words.
The School garden initiative aims at Inculcating positive values on food, agriculture and environment in growing youth. It teaches sustainable agriculture and nutrition which form basis for stable livelihood and informed consumption habits. The gardens are demonstration and seed multiplication centers for community contributing towards food security and biodiversity conservation
What makes your idea unique?
The current generation is managing and utilizing land on ‘lease’ from the youth and future generations. Investing in the youth is investing in sustainability and posterity. The school garden initiative provides the youth with hands-on experience in food production and other livelihood skills and they are encouraged to replicate the same at home. Harvest from the gardens supplement school feeding program.
What is your area of work? (Please check as many as apply.)
Children & Youth .
What impact have you had?
We have been able to establish school gardens in 11 schools with 410 students from highland and semi-arid parts of Kenya. The initiative compliments learning of other subjects like mathematics through measuring plant placement and spacing; other sciences through learning about plant life cycles; language through writing step by step instructions on planting the garden for a take home brochure; history through choice of traditional food products; fine arts through use of garden plants to learn about color and texture and health through recipes and making salads after harvesting vegetables. By participating in food fairs and agricultural shows they show-case their activities and teach other students, teachers, parents and community and whet their leadership skills. Experience (in 3 years) has shown that youth involved in the programme have also performed very well in national examinations.
Describe the primary problem(s) that your project is addressing.
In Kenya agriculture contributes over 50% to GDP and providing employment to over 70% of workforce and yet it is not given sufficient emphasis in school curriculum. over 50% of the youth leaving primary and secondary schools (that don’t continue with further education) end up in rural areas unprepared for a career as farmers. Many of them find it hard to eke a livelihood as small scale farmers and end up in urban areas in search of employment thereby worsening the unemployment situation and a good number find themselves in crime and other vices. In Kenya agriculture is taught in a myriad of many sciences in primary and in secondary school, it is treated as a junior science and only weak students are encouraged to sit for it. Meanwhile the rural areas remain starved of vital labour and youthful creativity.
Describe the steps that your organization is taking to make your project successful.
a) The organization is working towards empowering rural communities and youth to rediscover themselves; scale up and out positive values of sustainable development. Undertake activities that are easily replicated in other schools and at home.
b) Emphasize use of locally available materials
c) Undertake activities that quickly become self sustaining.
d) Cooperation with local and international organizations/institutions including government departments, cooperatives and NGO
e) Creating awareness on the fact that the current generation is utilizing and managing natural resources and biodiversity on behalf of the youth and future generations.
f) Emphasizing to the society that the values we learn when young persist-on even in adulthood and investing in the youth is investing in prosperity and sustainability.
Impact
What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Success in Year 1:
Having a garden of between ¼-1/2 on which the students will learn and practice sustainable farming. Participatory skills training and demonstrations. Sensitizing school leadership and education officials to appreciate school garden initiatives, Development of training manuals, induction training for teachers and students, Providing planting material, simple irrigation kits, tools and equipments.
Success in Year 2:
Using the garden as a learning and demonstration center for the communities and other schools. Organizing exchange visits and competitions among students, every year students will be encouraged to participate in award winning competitions related to food, environment and community development. This will take the shape of written essays and art. Facilitating the exchange of newsletters, which will be published and circulated in primary and secondary schools, students and teachers will be encouraged to generate articles for publication in this newsletter. Introduction of tree nurseries.
Success in Year 3:
Integrate a small livestock project and facilitate the youth to lead communities in tree planting and environmental cleanliness and management, networking with other school garden projects in the country and outside.
Do you have a business plan or strategic plan? (yes/no)
Yes.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 1:
Lobbying parents, teachers, school administrators and policy makers to appreciate importance of school garden initiatives.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 2:
Support establishment and strengthening of school garden projects through capacity building.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 3:
Scale up the school garden initiative through networking, information access and sharing.
Describe the expected results of these actions.
Policy makers will rethink the curriculum and develop policies promoting sustainable agriculture in learning institutions. Teachers will embrace school garden initiatives and guide the students better in realizing their objectives. Parents will support the activities of students in school; provide room and opportunities for students to replicate the same at home. Students will gain hands-on experiences in food production, transformation and consumption. They will interact with communities, other students during food fairs, agricultural shows and they will be able to showcase their activities, and this builds their leadership skills. School gardens will supplement the school feeding program, provide diversity in food and cut down on the food budget. The community will be able to access planting materials, seeds and gain practical skills in farming from schools near their homes.
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
In 2005, our organization decided to conduct community needs assessment in sustainable agriculture in the rural areas Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). In these case studies we also wished to learn with the community the daily calendars for different gender categories. I was surprised to learn that there were very few young people working on the farms, which means little recharge in terms of innovation and creativity. We decided to conduct a seminar for 35 school teachers (primary and secondary) to discuss agriculture syllabus at both levels which further confirmed our fears that youth leaving school were not well prepared for career as small scale farmers after school. Their knowledge on the environment and quality of food were equally low.
This helped me understand why many out of school youth immigrate to urban centres in search of employment thereby worsening the already bad unemployment situation. Many of them end up in crime and irresponsible social life that has led to erosion of morality and HIV/Aids. Those that remain in the rural areas practice poor management of the land and indulge in destruction of natural resources and environment especially by cutting down trees for fuel (for sale in urban centres) in attempt to get “quick” income. It is upon this background that I initiated our school garden initiative.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
I, Samuel Muhunyu the country coordinator of Necofa and Leader of Slow Food Central Rift Convivium in Kenya, designed our school garden initiative with support from my colleagues and schoolteachers. I am 53 years old and have worked for 29 years in community development.
My background is Agricultural Engineering focusing on irrigation and soil conservation but have invested myself more in participatory community development especially towards food and nutrition security. I strongly believe that development comes from within and that sustainable agriculture and participatory technology development is sure path towards food and nutrition security in Africa.
Biodiversity is important in sustainable agriculture and food security since it offers cushion against both climate extremes and uncertainty. It reduces vulnerability, increases resilience as the farmers produce more food and generate higher Incomes. It is the natural insurance for society's future adaptation and evolution.
Seeds, are a gift of nature, past generations and diverse culture are a major component in biodiversity. I believe that it is our inherent duty and responsibility to protect them and pass on to future generations. They are the first link in the food chain, the embodiment of biological and cultural diversity and the repository of life's future evolution. Seed saving technology is an art African women have perfected and is passed on through generations.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
From a Friend.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Sustainability
What would prevent your project from being a success?
Unfavorable political and administrative policies, Political instability and insecurity, Because people deal with these insecurities by a myriad of decisions and strategies that not only have an impact on individual lives but also on the form of several institutions; land tenure, law, social networks, etc, just as the long-term effects of ecological instability are visible in the socio-cultural set-up, livelihoods, institutions and individual decision-making the same must be true of political instability coupled with a high level of violence, banditry and many localized conflicts. The consequences occur in terms of human suffering, loss of economic production, forced displacement and retarded technological development.
Financing source
If yes, provide organization name.
Network for ECO-Farming In Africa. (NECOFA).
How long has this organization been operating? (i.e. less than a year; 1-5 years; more than 5 years)
More than 5 Years.
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Board of Directors, 3 men and 4 women.
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs? (yes/no)
YES.
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses? (yes/no)
YES.
The Story
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government? (yes/no)
YES.
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
Necofa is a member of Participatory ecological land use management (PELUM), which promotes sustainable Agriculture in Kenya. From Pelum, Necofa benefits in capacity building especially in various technologies of ecological farming. The initiative benefits from knowledge and skills gained, target schools will have opportunities to visit some production units of partner organization to learn and share experiences. The target schools will also benefit from reading the partners publications. Necofa is also a member of Kenya organic Agricultural Network (KOAN), which organizes fairs and shows on organic Agriculture technologies and products. The school garden students will participate in forums and activities, it provides capacity building in organic Agriculture and marketing. The initiative will bring resource persons to facilitate training, and the students will benefit from publications
How many people will your project serve annually?
Currently the project is serving 410 students in 11 schools, It is our wish to add another 5 schools every year.
What is the total number of employees and total number of volunteers at your organization?
We have 7 staffs and 2 volunteers.
What is your organization's business classification?
Non-profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Have you received funding from any of the following groups? (Please check as many as apply.)
None of the above.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| photo 133.jpg | 63.45 KB |
| Pupils gain hands on experience in compost manure making.jpg | 46.74 KB |
| Students gain hands on experience in organic food production-1.jpg | 51.12 KB |
| IMG_0357.JPG | 109.17 KB |
- Login to post new content in this forum.
Comments
We from NECOFA have submitted our innovation on School Garden Initiative,we invite you all to share your comments and ideas, so as to enrich the innovation. Thank you.
I thoroughly enjoyed your entry and it's cross-sector (ag and education) approach to rural development. A colleague informed us about other interesting projects you are working on. Please let the community know about these other fascinating initiatives.
Bardia
Changemakers
Dear Bardia,
We wish to thank you for contributing on our initiative, we are working with food communities hence promoting the different initiatives.
Dear Bardia,
Besides the school garden initiative Necofa is invoved in other activities/programmes that include:-
(i) Community-Led peace process
Following the politically instigated post election violence in Kenya in 2008 and considering that Molo was one of the hotspots of the violence and that many of the community members initially working with Necofa were directly or indirectly involved; Necofa joined hands with other local civil society organizations to form Multistakeholders Coordination Consortium (MISCC) miscc.wordress.com in providing humantarian aid support and currently fostering community led peace process.
(ii) Food and livelihood security programme
The programmes overall objective is To work towards revitalization of farming and food security at household level among smallholder farmers in Molo district.
(iii) Reclaming "eroded glory" of indigenous food culture
In partnership with Slow Food movement Necofa is sensitizing the community and policy makers on merits of indigenous food culture in food and nutrition security. Indigenous foods are more adopted to our fragile environment and by practicing diversity there is more resilience.
(iv) Social-economic empowerment of women
Considering that Women are the principle producers of food in subsistence agriculture. They enjoy less social and economic power; women and girls are at greater risk of HIV infection than men and boys and have a more difficult time protecting themselves. Their lower status and limited livelihood opportunities often force women and girls to turn to transactional sex for food or income to survive. The project addresses the situation of women through promotion of equality between men and women, relieving of the workload of women through the provision of clean water, introduction of appropriate, relevant and affordable technology, promoting use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at smaller scale to reduce cost.
(v) Promotion of underutilized plant species
This project works with communities in domestication of plant species previously found in the forest; value addition and marketing. Among these products are Stinging Nettle (Urtica masaica), Prunus Africana, Mushrooms, other teas and herbs
Thank you for your interest in our work.
Samuel
Congratulations! On behalf of the Changemakers team, we are honored to declare you a winner of the Early Entry Prize for the “Cultivating Innovation: Solutions for Rural Communities” collaborative competition! As a reward, you will receive a cell phone and a digital camera!
We hope that by submitting your innovation early, you have been able to generate feedback, dialogue, and insight about your initiative. Showcasing your blueprint and the challenges involved in creating social impact advises potential investors about how best to improve funding/investing patterns for the sector and to maximize the strategic impact and effectiveness of their future investments.
Please remember that your selection as an Early Entry Prize winner does not preclude you from winning the competition in any way, or guarantee finalist status—all entries will be equally evaluated per the Changemakers criteria at the completion of the entry period.
Congratulations, again!
Best wishes,
The Changemakers Team
----------
The Changemakers Team
Ashoka's Changemakers
Dear Amelia,
It is with sweet surprise and great joy that I received your email upon returning to the office from the field. I realize that you have quite many entrants each with unique and interesting innovation and picking a winner must have been quite a task.
We have learned a lot from participating in this competition especially from other entries, comments and discussions. It has been very inspiring. We will continue in the discussions not only to win in the next round but more to learn and share experiencies with others.
I take this opportunity to thank the Change makers Team for all your support and encouragement.
Kind regards,
Samuel K. Muhunyu.
Hi Samuel,
Congratuations again! Please know that I have reached out to Gwen and asked her a few questions about setting up a nonprofit, as I'd like to develop one that would be used primarily as a fund-raising mechanism for sustainable agriculture projects in East Africa and India. My current job is keeping me extremely busy right now but I hope we can work together more closely in the near future. Like everyone else who has commented here, I remain inspired by your work, projects, passion, vision and leadership. Please send everyone at NECOFA my greetings.
----------
Kathryn Bertram
Dear Kathryn,
We understand that you are very busy and we are grateful for your concern and interest in our work. We do also remember and recognize your contribution and participation in our school garden initiave when you lived with us here during your university stage in 2007. Since then we have had other students participate in our project from Europe and your country US. We are receiving one young man from your country next month who will be with us for 2 months. In September ,we shall have another masters student for 2 months from the University of Gastronomic sciences. Jane, from the same university is back in Kenya after her graduation and she is now directly involved in the initiative. Your participation with us and that of others adds value to our initiative. it is my hope that you will succeed in your initiative and look forward to working with you much more. Our initiative is growing but we would wish to extend much further in our country but resources are limiting.
Samuel .
Congratulation Samuel and NECOFA for for this innovative idea. I am really impressed and wish to commend you for such great innovation. However, in our colaboration work with NECOFA we have been engaging in environemental work and tree planting including agroforestry practices that you also involve the school going youth. You have not given this perspective in your case and I think its critical in passing necessary knwledge and skills to the students that is also replicated at home and community.
Thank you for sharing your case
Dear Mau Community Forest Association (MACOFA),
Thank you for your comment. In deed MACOFA has played important role in sensitizing the growing youth on the importance of the environment and tree planting. We do also appreciate your work in mobilizing communities towards restoring the Mau water shed which has been greatly destroyed through irresponsible human activities. The Mau is source to rivers that feed major lakes including Victoria, Nakuru and Baringo. Your participation in our initiative has greatly added value and increased efficiency and efficacy of the initiative. Schools participating in the initiative have tree nurseries in which the youth gain skills in raising trees seedlings (for fodder, fuel, building materials etc) and also planting them in the school compounds. The schools are a source of tree seedlings for the community and youth participate with community members in tree planting events organized by MACOFA and other collaborators. MACOFA also participate with us in educating the students and communities on other tree and forestry related enterprises like bee keeping and harvesting of non-timber forestry resources including Stinging nettle, Prunus Africana, traditional sustainable l vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants. We are greatful to MACOFA and are happy that you are associated with our initiative.
Post new comment