Enhancing Youth and Women’s Access to Land for Sustainable Economic Development in Western Kenya.

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Project Overview

Land access remains a critical challenge for women and youth in Western Kenya, hindered by socio-cultural norms, economic barriers, and weak legal frameworks. Patriarchal land tenure systems often exclude women from ownership, while intergenerational power dynamics marginalize youth. High land prices, exploitative leases, and limited dispute-resolution mechanisms further restrict equitable access.

To address these challenges, GFA Consulting Group, in partnership with Pamoja under the GIZ Agri-Jobs 4 Youth Initiative, is implementing a 12-month project across Kisumu, Vihiga, Siaya, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties. The initiative focuses on strengthening land access for women and youth in key agricultural value chains: Poultry, Azolla farming, African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs), and Soybeans.

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Key Project Interventions

​1. Baseline Survey & Data-Driven Planning

A two-day enumerators’ workshop at Vittoria Suites, Kisumu, equipped researchers with skills to conduct a baseline survey on land ownership dynamics. The findings will inform evidence-based interventions to improve land access policies and practices. The primary objective of the training was to familiarize the enumerators with the project goals and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct data collection to inform evidence-based project implementation.

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2. Promoting Sustainable Farming Innovations

The project supports climate-smart agriculture, including Azolla farming—a protein-rich livestock feed supplement. A field visit to an innovative Azolla farmer in Sabatia, Vihiga, demonstrated its potential to reduce feed costs while boosting poultry, pig, and fish production.

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3. Empowering Community Advocates

• 20 Community Change Advocates (CCAs) underwent a 5-day intensive training on land laws, paralegal support, and dialogue facilitation.

• These advocates now lead intergenerational dialogues to bridge gaps between elders and youth on land rights.

• A one-day sensitization workshop at Bukura Agricultural Training Center (ATC) strengthened the capacity of Farmers Service Centers (FSCs) to conduct awareness campaigns on equitable land access.

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Expected Impact

By tackling legal, economic, and cultural barriers, the project will:
✅ Increase women and youth’s participation in agriculture.
✅ Improve land leasing and ownership opportunities.
✅ Strengthen community-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
✅ Boost productivity in poultry, Azolla, ALVs, and soybeans—enhancing food security and incomes.

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This initiative is a step toward inclusive agricultural growth in Western Kenya. Follow our progress as we empower women and youth to unlock their full potential in farming.