In the hills of Elgeyo Marakwet County, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking root. At the heart of this change is Kipsumbeiywo Tree Nursery, a thriving demonstration farm supported through the FOSECCA (Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation) project by ADS North Rift.
This once modest nursery has become a beacon of sustainable agriculture and rural innovation. Today, its fields are alive with a diverse mix of climate-resilient crops, sorghum, green grams, millet, groundnuts, and sunflower, each selected for its nutritional value, drought tolerance, and economic potential.
The FOSECCA (Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation) project is designed to address the pressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly those brought on by climate change and food insecurity. Kipsumbeiywo Tree Nursery exemplifies the vision of strengthening community capacity through practical, localized solutions. The farm is more than a place of production; it’s a hub of learning, where fellow farmers visit to witness firsthand the benefits of crop diversification and sustainable land use practices.
By investing in indigenous and drought-tolerant crops, the nursery is helping the surrounding community move toward greater food and income security. These crops not only thrive in changing weather patterns but also contribute to improved household nutrition, offering vital vitamins and minerals often missing from rural diets.
Beyond nutrition and income, Kipsumbeiywo is also playing a key role in landscape restoration. Through agroforestry, soil conservation practices, and an emphasis on biodiversity, the nursery is restoring the land while sustaining the people who depend on it.
This success story is a testament to what is possible when farmers are equipped with the right knowledge, resources, and support. Through FOSECCA, ADS North Rift continues to nurture local champions of food systems transformation farmers who are not just adapting to climate change, but leading the way toward a more resilient future.
As the crops grow tall at Kipsumbeiywo, so does the hope for a thriving, self-reliant rural community, rooted in resilience and flourishing through collective action.
