From fields to freedom - Jenifer’s journey to economic empowerment
Jenifer Limakeris, a resilient 37-year-old mother of seven, has undergone transformation from a life of societal constraints to becoming an entrepreneur in her community. Thanks to the transformative impact of the Women Economic Empowerment through Climate Smart Agriculture project.
Born and brought up in the remote hills of West Pokot County, Jenifer's early years were marked by relentless toil and a highly patriarchal society that limited her role in societal development. However, today, she stands as a testimony to the success story emerging from the women economic empowerment project, breaking cultural barriers to become one of the first female cattle owners in Kerelwa village, Batei Ward.
The project is implemented by UN Women, FAO, Village Enterprise, and with the support of the County Government of West Pokot. The project is funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Kenya. Through regular trainings, on different topics like public participation in policy development, Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies, Jeniffer and her group the Kang’ota Women Self Help Group have been empowered.
Jenifer's smile radiates the impact of CSA adoption. Moving beyond subsistence farming, she has transformed her agricultural practices, cultivating high-value crops such as bulb onions, kales, Blacknight shade, and spinach, coupled with improved indigenous poultry—all promoted by the project. This shift not only ensures access to high-value products for consumption and surplus sale but also turned her farming into a commercial activity that gives good profits.
Reflecting on her early life in Kerelwa Village, where education was an elusive dream for a girl in a polygamous family, Jenifer found herself married after primary school, bearing the responsibility of seven children as a second wife and at a tender age. Through the project she has been equipped with skills that transcended traditional roles, propelling her from maize farming to diversified and profitable agricultural enterprises.
The tangible success is evident in the revenue generated from her venture, enabling Jenifer to purchase a bull, now a substantial asset with increased value. She sells her products, at Ortum market, bringing in a weekly income of Sh1,200, allowing her to save a minimum of Sh500 per week.
Table Banking
The Kang’ota Women Self Help Group where Jennifer is a member has embraced table banking further amplifies the project's impact. With increased incomes, members now save between Sh300 – Sh1000 weekly, fostering economic independence. Jenifer's savings, which at the time of our visit was a total of Sh12,000, has become the capital that transformed a small bull into a valuable asset, showcasing the financial empowerment achieved through collective efforts.
The success of Kang’ota Women Self Help Group has caught the attention of the WEE-CSA project, which plans to support them further with a poultry feed crusher and mixer. This additional support aims to enhance access to affordable poultry feed, not only benefiting the group members but also the local community, ensuring sustained economic growth for all.
Jenifer's journey is a testament to the transformative power of community-focused projects, turning fields of hardship into fields of freedom and economic prosperity. She is full of praise to leadership of FAO Kenya.