In Turkana, Kenya, thousands of people have been trapped in dire poverty and extreme hunger. Dizzying cycles of droughts, coupled with prolonged isolation, under-investment and marginalization, have led to one of the world’s lowest levels of human development.
But on this arid land plagued with impoverished families, we planted a self-sufficient farm—truly an oasis in the desert. Since 2018, the Natoot Farm, a partnership between Bright Hope and a local Kenyan church, has enabled 135 families to cultivate and farm their own plots of land.
Recently, the Natoot Farm received 13 additional acres, nearly doubling its size and the number of farmers. And thanks to Allies like you, we raised enough money to install drip irrigation in the 13 additional acres and 95 new farmers are receiving training and planting crops. And most importantly, these farmers will soon have income and food to feed and provide for their families!
Sustainable Farming Means 95 New Farmers!
At Bright Hope, we believe in the importance of laying a strong foundation in all our sustainability programs. Right now, 37 of the original Natoot farmers are sharing their wealth of wisdom with the 95 new farmers by providing agricultural training and support.
In the new section of the farm, farmers have already planted cow peas, watermelon, butternut, tomatoes, onions and corn. In just a few weeks, a beautiful blanket of green, punctuated with 8-inch corn stalks, has covered the arid land. This new growth has thrived because of consistent watering from the drip irrigation system.
Challenges at the Natoot Farm
Amid the victories, some challenges have emerged. Grasshoppers and spider mites are feasting on the new crops. Though not an official plague, these pests have affected growth.
The grasshoppers have not affected the avocados or fruit trees, which were planted about a year ago. Some vegetable crops had to be uprooted to stop the spider mite infestation. But thanks to the training the new farmers have received, they replanted these vegetables near onions to keep mites away. They even placed plastic bags on top of tall sticks to act as scarecrows to chase away birds.
Thank you!
Thank you for your generous prayers and support. You have made the Natoot Farm expansion possible. Now, 95 new families in this extremely impoverished region of Kenya can grow crops to sell in the marketplace, meet their children’s needs for healthy food and education, and plant seeds of hope in the next generation.
