New drive lifts women's place in dairy farming

Margaret Riungu, a dairy farmer at her farm in Meru on November 21, 2019. [File, Standard] Mirriam Osire, a widow from Kabar village, started with a single cow, goat, and sheep donated by well-wishers in 2015. Through training in improved feeding, disease prevention, and business management, she has transformed her small gift into a thriving dairy farm. Osire is one of 50 women in Muhoroni, Kisumu County, who have benefited from the transformative Kund Mine dairy cattle project, an initiative empowering rural women through livestock ownership and economic independence. The project, launched by the Golden Girls Foundation, began with three women volunteers mentoring girls in local primary and secondary schools. During discussions about their economic challenges, the group proposed dairy farming as a path to sustainability. The foundation agreed to donate a cow, goat, and sheep to each woman, with one condition: the first offspring of each animal must be donated to another needy woman in the community, creating a sustainable cycle of empowerment. "Through the Kund Mine project, we started with a goat, followed by a sheep and a cow weeks later," Osire explained. "The well-wishers instructed us to donate the first offspring to another woman in need. This model helped our group grow from 20 to 50 women." The project addresses a critical issue faced by many women in Muhoroni - the lack of asset ownership. "Before Kund Mine, most of us owned nothing in our families," said Pamela Okiri, a beneficiary from Masogo village. "During separation, divorce, or the death of a partner, we were often left empty-handed." The project ensures women own their livestock, giving them control over assets that cannot be sold without their consent. Okiri, one of the first beneficiaries, donated her cow's first calf to a needy neighbour. Her herd has since grown to four cows, all producing milk for household use and small-scale sales. "The milk supports my family, and I sell the surplus to neighbours," she said. "This has given me financial stability."Mary Anyango from Amilo village highlighted the project's broader impact. "Through training in animal husbandry, table banking, and collective marketing, we've increased milk production and gained financial independence," she said. "We're also more involved in community decision-making, though our small-scale production limits us to local sales and family consumption." The Kund Mine project, which began with 20 cows, goats, and sheep, has seen significant growth. Many beneficiaries have doubled or tripled their herds, with some selling goats and sheep to purchase additional cows. Golda Ayodo, CEO of the Golden Girls Foundation, noted that the project was inspired by the need to provide rural women with economic assets. "We wanted every woman to have a cow shed and own cattle, ensuring they are self-sufficient," she said.The foundation has provided extensive capacity-building, teaching women how to care for livestock, manage finances, and market dairy products. "Milk sales now fund school fees, food, and home improvements," Ayodo said. "The women also participate confidently in table banking and have taken up leadership roles, such as on school boards."Despite its success, the project faces challenges. Some women dropped out, and production remains small-scale, limiting competition in larger dairy markets. However, the group plans to scale up through partnerships with the Golden Girls Foundation. The Kund Mine project has grown from three women in 2015 to 50 by 2025, with stories of beneficiaries building homes and paying school fees through milk and livestock sales. "This project ensures rural women are economically resilient," Ayodo said. "By owning their cattle, they've reduced dependence on partners and gained confidence to lead in their communities." As the Kund Mine initiative continues to expand, it stands as a powerful example of how livestock, training, and community collaboration can transform lives, one cow at a time.

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