Against the backdrop of lush green fields and vibrant colours of her bountiful harvest, Jane Korir, a 40-year-old horticulture farmer walks through her three-acre farm.
Just a few years ago, Korir faced numerous challenges. With limited resources and societal expectations weighing heavily on her, she inherited a small, neglected piece of land in Uasin Gishu County.
Through her unwavering commitment, Korir transformed her three-acre farm into a thriving oasis of productivity. Her dedication to adopting innovative techniques such as drip irrigation, organic fertilisers, and integrated pest management paid off. Today, her farm stands as a model of success, boasting vibrant fields of tomatoes, kale, and an array of colourful flowers.
Recent findings published in the prestigious journal Communications Earth & Environment reveal that involving women farmers in group decision-making processes leads to improved agricultural production and conservation outcomes.
Meet Jane Muthoni, a resilient farmer in Nyeri County. With unwavering determination, Jane has embraced sustainable practices, integrating environmentally friendly techniques into her farming methods. Recognising the importance of biodiversity, she has spearheaded efforts to protect her crops from invasive wildlife while ensuring the long-term health of the local ecosystem.
In Homabay County, we find Easter Adhiambo has been empowering her farming community through collective action. Through her role as the chairperson of a local farmers' group, Adhiambo has successfully harmonised agricultural production with the conservation of forests and fallow lands.
In Machakos County, we encounter Lucy Nduta embracing natural pest control methods. With a deep understanding of the delicate balance between crop protection and environmental stewardship, Nduta has championed the use of insect-based pest controls instead of harmful pesticides.
To confirm the ability of women's decisions in agriculture and conservation the study originally designed to explore the effectiveness of monetary incentives in promoting conservation practices, the study took an unexpected turn.
The researchers discovered that while payments were not always reliable, the involvement of women in decision-making roles had a profound positive impact on both agricultural production and environmental outcomes.
Employing innovative methods, the study employed video games as a means to simulate real-world agricultural dilemmas. These games presented players with scenarios ranging from invasive wildlife management to choosing between pesticide use and natural pest controls.
With participation spanning seven countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia, including Kenya, the study provided an insightful glimpse into the decision-making processes of farmers worldwide.
Andrew Reid Bell, the study's lead author, emphasised the importance of aligning game decisions with real-life choices to ensure accuracy of the findings.
The results unveiled a powerful correlation: groups that were more educated, diverse in gender representation, and inclusive of women consistently demonstrated enhanced agricultural productivity and environmental preservation.
According to Easter Achieng of Kenya Female Advisory Organisation (KEFEADO), these heartening tales of women decision-makers, backed by empirical evidence, stand as a clarion call for the transformation of agricultural landscapes in Kenya and beyond.
"By valuing the input of women, empowering them to participate actively in decision-making processes, and providing them with the resources and support they need, we can foster sustainable agriculture that harmonises with nature, secures food production, and safeguards the future for generations to come," Achieng said.
