Practical Action, Kakamega County Complete PWD Farming Mentorship

Practical Action, in partnership with the County Government of Kakamega, has successfully concluded a transformative two-day mentorship and training session for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in farming across Kakamega County. The programme brought together farmers from all parts of the county, equipping them with essential skills in inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable agriculture.

The training was conducted under the Resilient Agriculture That Works for Young People (RAY) Programme, a five-year initiative implemented by Practical Action in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The RAY Programme aims to make agriculture a viable, dignified, and profitable livelihood for young people, women, and marginalised groups, while strengthening local food systems and rural economies.

Supporting Farmers with Inputs and Skills

As part of the initiative, Practical Action, through partners like Wakala Africa, provided farmers with high-quality maize seeds of the Bazooka variety, enabling participants to start or expand productive farming ventures. By combining hands-on mentorship, access to quality inputs, and practical agricultural knowledge, the programme bridges the gap between learning and real-world application.

Farmers were trained in regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health, increase yields, and enhance resilience to climate shocks. The mentorship also focused on agribusiness planning, market linkages, and financial literacy, ensuring participants are equipped to grow sustainable and profitable farming enterprises.

RAY: A Model for Inclusive Agriculture

The RAY Programme stands out for its holistic approach to youth and PWD empowerment. It integrates mentorship, access to finance, market linkages, and skills development, creating a comprehensive support system for young agripreneurs. Experienced participants act as mentors to peers, sharing practical knowledge and fostering a culture of peer-to-peer learning.

By linking farmers to financial services such as Youth Savings and Loan Associations (YSLAs) and providing access to input suppliers and markets, Practical Action ensures that participants can scale their businesses and achieve long-term economic resilience. The initiative also encourages young people and marginalized groups to view agriculture as a profitable career, countering the perception of farming as a fallback option.

Impact and the Way Forward

Practical Action’s work through the RAY Programme continues to transform lives across Kakamega County. By providing knowledge, inputs, and market access, the organisation empowers farmers to build sustainable livelihoods while contributing to food security and community resilience.

The success of the two-day mentorship highlights the power of inclusive, hands-on training combined with tangible support. As the RAY Programme continues through 2027, Practical Action’s holistic model is expected to reach more young people, women, and PWDs, helping them establish thriving agribusinesses and inspiring a new generation of resilient farmers and community leaders in Western Kenya.