Regina’s Journey to Entrepreneurial Success

Regina, a dynamic Trainer of Trainees (ToT) in Meru’s Mikinduri Ward, is one of the many young people who have reaped significant benefits from the Drought-Tolerant Crops (DTC) for Youth Job Creation project. Through her involvement, Regina has gained a wealth of knowledge in good agricultural practices, which have not only improved her yields but also opened up new avenues for income generation and self-reliance.

Mastering Good Agricultural Practices
Regina’s journey began with acquiring essential skills in good agricultural practices, such as
correct spacing, thinning, gapping, disease and pest control, and conservation agriculture. These techniques have proven invaluable, leading to a steady improvement in her crop yields. Her commitment to applying these practices was evident in the last season when she, along with a partner farmer, cultivated 4 acres of sorghum. The results were impressive: they harvested about 5,180 kilograms of sorghum, which they sold to Jufra Foods, a buyer connected to them through the project. The partnership with Jufra Foods was particularly beneficial, as it was structured under a contract farming agreement. This arrangement ensured that Regina and her partner received a fair price of 45 shillings per kilogram, which was above the prevailing market rate of 40 shillings per kilogram. Moreover, the payment was prompt, providing them with the financial stability needed to reinvest in their farming operations.

Diversifying Income Streams
The DTC project has also enabled Regina to identify and tap into other job opportunities within the agricultural sector. Recognizing the need for proper grain storage among local farmers, she set up a storage facility where she charges a small fee for storing grain. This initiative not only helps farmers preserve their produce but also provides Regina with a steady stream of income.

In addition to her storage business, Regina has become a key connector within her community, linking farmers with mechanization service providers for ploughing and threshing services. By facilitating these connections, she earns commissions based on the volume of work done, further boosting her earnings.

Empowerment through Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA)
Regina’s entrepreneurial spirit has been further fueled by her involvement in the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) and the business training she received through the project. These initiatives have significantly increased her access to financial resources and strengthened her control over them. Through the VSLA, Regina was able to take out a loan, which she used to establish an agrovet store. Initially, she did not stock fertilizers, but with improved income from her farming activities, she has expanded her inventory to include fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs.

Her agrovet business has flourished, with Regina selling over 40 bags of pigeon peas in the previous season, earning approximately 60,000 shillings. This success is a direct result of the skills and knowledge she gained through the DTC project, demonstrating how targeted training and support can transform young people into successful entrepreneurs.

A Broader Impact on Semi-Arid Regions
Regina’s story is a testament to the broader impact of the DTC for Youth Job Creation project, which aims to empower over 120,000 young people and women across semi- arid regions in Kenya. By equipping them with the skills needed to engage in profitable agriculture, the project is breaking the cycle of poverty and unemployment, creating a new generation of self-reliant and successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

In regions such as Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi, the project is fostering a culture of innovation and resilience among young farmers. Regina’s journey from a small-scale farmer to a successful ToT and entrepreneur is a powerful example of what can be achieved when young people are given the right tools and opportunities. As she continues to grow her businesses and share her knowledge with others, she is not only securing her future but also contributing to the economic development of her community.

Photo: Regina’s grain store