Who We Are
We are a grassroots, volunteer-led initiative dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers in Homabay County. We promote local nutrition and foster sustainable income through economic farming and value addition. Registered in Rachuonyo South – Homabay County as a Community Based Organization (CBO) in 2021, our organization is driven not only by passion but also by meaningful action.
Our registration number is DSO/RS/CBO/001/2021, issued by the Sub-County State Department for Social Protection, confirming that we comply with all legal and administrative regulations.
Vision
To build a community of active neighborhoods that support and contribute to the health, wealth, and well-being of their members.
Mission
To empower smallholder farmers, youth, and women by promoting collective investment and sustainable agriculture for lasting food and economic security.
Core Values
- Honesty, accountability, and self-discipline in all actions
- Respect for diversity and commitment to ethical practices
- Teamwork and inclusive collaboration guided by a shared vision
- Promotion of sustainability and self-reliance
- Support for lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, and community reinvestment to drive economic growth.
The Problem We’re Solving
Homabay region and its surrounding areas have a significant number of households relying on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. The smallholders, mostly women, play a vital role in rural agricultural activities. However, they often lack access to input resources, training, and markets for their produce. Whether out of necessity or tradition, they usually grow a single crop (typically maize) each season on the same plot of land. Outdated farming practices limit the farmers’ ability to achieve better yields and improve their livelihoods. Due to insufficient knowledge and resources, smallholders repeatedly use non-sustainable farming methods that degrade the environment, deplete soil health, and cause long-term negative effects on land productivity. Additionally, the harvests are often minimal and seldom last until the next season. As a result, households remain food-insecure with low income and insufficient nutrition throughout the year.
From Struggle to Solution – Turning Problems into Purpose
Addressing the challenges faced by smallholders and other food-insecure families in Homabay requires a multi-faceted approach that spans policy, economic strategies, technological interventions, and grassroots initiatives. Due to economic exclusion, most households are often isolated, and their voice is limited. We believe we have the potential to address some of these challenges by implementing meaningful grassroots initiatives that benefit both the smallholders and the communities they live in.
The Heart of the COW Project CBO
We have created a community brand founded on the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and economic empowerment. What may appear to be a simple spread is, for our community, a symbol of self-reliance, innovation, and collective growth. It represents the journey from seed to table and the transformation of local effort into a product that nourishes families, generates jobs, and fosters pride. Adding value to peanuts directly addresses the challenges faced by rural peanut farming communities, such as limited market access, low-value crop sales, and income instability.
In addition to processing peanut butter, we help the community access markets where the peanut butter can be sold profitably in the future. We assist with product branding and packaging, promotional activities, and provide insights into pricing and sales strategies.
Beyond peanut butter production, the COW project is committed to education and outreach, organizing and participating in workshops on sustainable farming, nutrition, and entrepreneurship. Instead of selling raw peanuts for low profits, farmers are taught how to process, package, brand, and market a high-value product during these sessions.
Each jar tells a story of collaboration, dedication, and perseverance. It’s more than just a bread spread — it’s a way of life.