In the fertile highlands surrounding Meru, where rich red volcanic soils meet the growing challenges of a changing climate, Lucy Kaari cultivates maize, beans, sorghum, and other cereals and legumes. Her farm may be modest in size, but it represents the resilience, determination, and expertise of the women whose daily work feeds families and communities across Kenya.
Rising Costs, Labour Shortages, and Market Challenges
Like many smallholder farmers, Lucy faces rising input costs, labour shortages during planting and harvesting, and difficulty accessing markets that offer fair prices. These interconnected challenges make it harder for smallholder farmers to earn sustainable incomes despite their essential contribution to food production.
Feeding Communities, Deserving Recognition
Lucy believes women farmers are central to Africa's food security and deserve greater recognition and support. Every day, women cultivate crops, nourish households, and sustain local food systems, yet their contributions are often overlooked.
Technology Supporting Better Decisions
Using her mobile phone, Lucy accesses weather forecasts and market information that help her make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and marketing her crops.
Growing Through the Global Farmer Network
Lucy credits the Global Farmer Network with strengthening her farming knowledge through training and connections with fellow farmers, demonstrating the value of collaboration and shared learning.
A Voice for Women Farmers
Lucy's story is one of resilience, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment. She represents the women whose dedication is building stronger, more resilient food systems across Africa.
Report by – Patience Koku, Nigeria, Global Farmer Network Regional Lead: Africa Ag and Ruramiso Mashumba, Zimbabwe, Global Farmer Network Regional Lead: Africa Ag
To learn more, contact Mary Boote, +1 515.274.0800 or [email protected]
