Support for local farmers organizations (FOs) is based on local advice. It aims in particular to strengthen the resilience of farms to climate change and to develop services that meet the needs of FO members. This approach has led to the emergence of lead farmers and collective initiatives within these organizations.
In order to share these successes and inspire new farmer organizations, a competition between lead farmers and FOs was organized from July to December 2025.
Candidates were able to apply in five categories, choosing the one they thought they had the best chance of winning in:
- Agroecology and organic input production
- Agroforestry
- Poultry vaccination
- Collective action
- Innovation
The evaluation criteria was defined according to the categories including economic and social aspects.
After a pre-selection phase based on the applications received, the judges—state extension agents at the district and sub-regional levels—visited the pre-selected candidates. They were able to assess the candidates’ achievements on their own farms, their efforts to share knowledge, and the quality of the services they offer to members.
Three winners per category were selected and celebrated at ceremonies organized in each county. During these events, FOs and lead farmers were able to present their products and innovations, such as the production of biochar, black soldier flies, or organic inputs. Among the guests were many CGA partners and representatives of county authorities.
“Thanks to the ceremony, the product presentations, and the exchange visit that followed the event, farmers were able to appreciate what others are doing and ask questions, all of which reinforced peer-to-peer exchange and sharing to encourage the adoption of the practices presented.
The fact that many young people won awards encouraged groups to involve more young people in their activities and support them in developing their agricultural activities.”
The winners were rewarded with equipment and tools to expand their production or service capacity, such as a tank for manufacturing organic inputs or an egg incubator. Each participant left with fruit tree seedlings, Tephrosia seeds (a fertilizing plant and biopesticide), and a bag containing various training tools to help them share their knowledge with their peers.
The competition was a real source of motivation for all participants, and the winners’ achievements inspired the farmers in attendance.
“We were really motivated by this recognition. We have now planned for each member to have their own irrigation system. This will enable each member to earn additional income of at least 14,000 Kes (€100) during the dry season and increase our group’s volume of agroecological vegetables, our joint savings group’s savings, and our overall standard of living.”
“This award has increased my credibility among the members of my group, and farmers from other regions have come to visit my farm. I feel recognized, and that motivates me to produce even more organic inputs.”
