Agri-Jobs 4 Youth Initiative: Land Access for Youth and Women in Western Kenya

In partnership with GFA-GIZ, P4T's Agri-Jobs 4 Youth (AJ4Y) initiative is implementing comprehensive approaches to enhance youth and women's access to land for sustainable economic development in Western Kenya. This multi-pronged program addresses critical barriers preventing young people and women from participating fully in agricultural value chains.

Recent Progress Review Workshop

On July 24th, a progress review and reflection workshop was held at Victoria Comfort Inn Hotel, Kisumu, to assess implementation outcomes, identify challenges, and draw lessons for upcoming activities and future initiatives. The workshop brought together key stakeholders including:

• County Climate Action Officers (CCAs)

• Farmers Service Centers (FSCs)

• Representatives from GIZ-WE4R

• AJ4Y team members

• Partners from Shibuye and Siaya County Youth Network

Key Achievements

1. Enhanced Awareness and Knowledge

• Increased awareness among farmers and landowners about land access mechanisms

• Improved understanding of different forms of land acquisition processes

• Better comprehension of legal frameworks governing land rights

2. Strengthened Relationships

• Increased trust and confidence between farmers and landowners

• Enhanced certainty of agricultural operations through improved communication

• Reduced conflicts over land use and access rights

3. Formalization of Land Rights

• Increased formalization of land lease agreements

• Improved documentation of land access arrangements

• Enhanced security of tenure for youth and women farmers

4. Capacity Building and Personal Development

• Notable personal growth among CCAs and FSCs

• Improved facilitation skills for conducting community forums

• Active engagement in agribusiness ventures by project staff

• Enhanced leadership capabilities in land governance

Ongoing Challenges

Despite significant progress, deep-rooted cultural norms continue to pose substantial barriers to youth and women's access to land for agricultural production. These traditional practices and beliefs require sustained engagement and community-led approaches to address effectively.

Moving Forward

The insights gained from this review workshop will inform the remaining phase of the project and contribute to the development of more effective strategies for promoting inclusive agricultural development in Western Kenya.

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