Introduction

The month has been marked by encouraging progress across the Feathers of Hope (FOH) Model Farm and the farmer pilot project. The participating farmers continue to develop their household farms, while the FOH Model Farm maintains good vegetable production. We have also commenced the renovation of the farmhouse, focusing on roofing and fencing to improve the facility and enhance security. These activities contribute to our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, improve household food security, and replicate the FOH farming model within the community

1. Farmer Pilot Project

The farmer pilot project continues to make good progress, with participating farmers actively implementing the FOH household farming model on a small scale.

• Bizaa: Water pan lining is ongoing, alongside the establishment of Azolla ponds. Bizaa has also completed the framing of the crop shed-net structure.

• Kilonzo: Excavation of the water pan is ongoing as preparations continue for the next stages of implementation.

• Evelene: Excavation of the water pan is ongoing, the Azolla ponds are complete, and water pan lining is underway. The framing of the crop shed-net structure has also been completed

The progress achieved so far demonstrates the farmers’ commitment to establishing productive household farms and adopting sustainable farming practices. As the work continues, the farmers are moving closer to having functional small-scale farming units that can support household food production and livelihoods.

2. FOH Model Farm Progress

The FOH Model Farm continues to perform well, with vegetables recording encouraging yields. The recently planted eggplants are growing well, alongside the chillies and capsicums established in the outdoor gardens.

These developments reflect continued progress in crop production and demonstrate the farm’s role in promoting practical, sustainable agricultural practices. The ongoing production also supports our broader objective of improving food security and demonstrating farming methods that can be adopted by other households.

3. Farmhouse Renovation

Renovation of the FOH farmhouse has commenced, with work underway on the new roofing. We have also started preparations for fencing the farmhouse, including digging holes for the fence poles.

Fencing is an important security measure because the farmhouse is located in an isolated area, away from other residential buildings. Securing the property will help protect the facility, equipment, and other farm assets from potential vandalism while improving the safety of the farm environment.

4. Appreciation

We sincerely appreciate Team Smile Kenya for their continued support and partnership. Their contribution is helping us advance the farmer pilot project, strengthen agricultural production at the FOH Model Farm, and improve the farm’s infrastructure.

Conclusion

Overall, the month has recorded positive progress across the farmer pilot project, crop production, and farmhouse renovation. The three farmers continue to work towards completing their water pans, Azolla ponds, and crop shed-net structures, while the FOH Model Farm maintains encouraging vegetable yields. The commencement of the farmhouse renovation is another important step towards improving the farm’s infrastructure and security.

We are grateful to Team Smile Kenya for walking this journey with us and supporting our vision of building sustainable, productive household farms. We look forward to completing the ongoing activities and continuing to share the progress and impact of the project in the coming months.