Awareness of Poor Farmers and Chronic Problem in Rural Kenya:

—the Case of Kaimosi in Nandi Country—

Abstract

After the Independence, many of the Kenyan farmers have been poor, and have fallen to food shortage and low productivity in a steady economic growth. In order to improve the rural Kenyan situation, Japan-JICA provided various supports. On the other hand, there are the NGO's supporting programs —main actor are the Kenyan farmers—, Such as the Hiro's Organic Farming Group (HOFG). However, some cases of support by NGOs failed to produce sufficient effect in reducing farmer's poverty because of “the divergence of farmer's recognition”.

Therefore, this field study report through the interview of poor farmers and NGOs staff aims at figuring out how to improve the rural support by HOFG and External Supporter (JICA and the other NGO). The research revealed two results. First, as commonly recognized by both of Farmers and NGOs, it is necessary to increase income in order to escape from impoverished situation. However, the second result is the divergence of farmer's recognition for the HOFGs support plan (the organic farming methods). Some of farmers recognize that the organic farming methods improve productivity and increase income. But, another farmer is skeptical about the transition to organic farming. Through the interview it has been revealed that farmers' opinion differ according to their background, e.g. migrant workers, agricultural tradition, and housework. Therefore it is necessary to consider farmer's opinions and backgrounds, and reinforce the cooperation between farmers and NGOs for more effective results.