By Shirley Wandera
Kenya’s agricultural sector, the backbone of the nation’s economy, contributes approximately 33% to the GDP and employs over 40% of the population. Yet, it faces mounting challenges due to climate change—unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and declining soil fertility. To combat these issues, innovative solutions are emerging, with climate-smart agriculture (CSA) taking center stage. One such beacon of hope is the "Mazingira Women Initiative" in Kibera,
Urban farming, an integral component of CSA, has redefined agriculture in densely populated areas like Kibera. By utilizing limited spaces, urban farming transforms unused plots, rooftops, and even walls into lush gardens. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), urban farming could supply up to 20% of global food needs by 2030.
For Kibera’s residents, this practice is not just a livelihood but a lifeline. Malasel Hamida’s initiative uses recycled organic waste, including avocado seeds, to create organic fertilizer. This fertilizer nourishes vertical gardens, an ingenious solution for maximizing agricultural productivity in small spaces.
"On a good day with rain, the gardens can feed up to 500 households," Malasel shared. This achievement underscores the potential of community-driven projects in addressing food insecurity, even in areas with minimal resources.
The "Mazingira Women Initiative" was born out of Malasel’s passion for environmental conservation. After an unsuccessful parliamentary bid in 2017 where environmental preservation was a cornerstone of her manifesto she channeled her efforts into grassroots action.
Her journey started with a simple question: how can Kibera’s waste be turned into wealth? The answer lay in the community’s organic waste, which was converted into fertilizers and used to cultivate crops in vertical gardens. Today, these gardens produce kale, spinach, and indigenous vegetables, staples for many Kenyan households.
Access to water remains a challenge in Kibera, where residents often rely on expensive or unreliable sources. To ensure sustainability, the initiative incorporates rainwater harvesting. Collected water is stored in jerricans and used to irrigate crops. This method not only reduces reliance on municipal water but also demonstrates the importance of resource efficiency in CSA practices.
Beyond addressing food security, the "Mazingira Women Initiative" fosters economic growth. The sale of surplus produce generates income, which is reinvested into the project to purchase additional resources, such as seeds and water storage containers. This cyclical model ensures the initiative’s sustainability and scalability.
Mazingira Women Initiative's hdroponic system with Kale plants
Data from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) indicates that urban farming initiatives could reduce food costs by 25% for urban dwellers, while creating employment opportunities, especially for women and youth.
The success of the "Mazingira Women Initiative" serves as a blueprint for communities across Kenya and beyond. By leveraging local resources and grassroots participation, it showcases the transformative power of collaboration in tackling climate challenges.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), which emphasizes the adoption of CSA to build resilience and enhance food security. It also contributes to global goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 13 (Climate Action).
Malasel Hamida’s story is a testament to the power of determination and innovation. As Kenya grapples with the effects of climate change, initiatives like hers light the path toward a sustainable and resilient future. Urban farming, water harvesting, and waste recycling are not just solutions for today, they are investments in tomorrow.
A vertical garden set up by the Mazingira Women Initiative in Kibera.
In the words of Malasel, "Climate change is a global challenge, but the solutions start here, in our communities, with our people."
As the "Mazingira Women Initiative" continues to grow, it inspires hope and action, proving that even in the face of adversity, local solutions can make a global impact.
