The Building Resilience Project in Emali, Kenya

Project Title: Building Resilience Project in Emali, Kenya
Duration: 1 August 2013 – 16 April 2017 
Evaluation: End-line Evaluation conducted by an independent researcher

ChildFund New Zealand partnered with ChildFund Kenya and the Emali Dedicated Children’s Agency to support the Kamba and Maasai communities of Emali over three and a half years to address the issues of food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods within the increasingly frequent context of drought.

Productivity increased considerably for crop farmers and pastoralists, which was attributed to farmer training, the provision of inputs (such as drought resistant seeds) and improved access to water for irrigation and for animals. Subsequently, food security nearly doubled over the life of the project. Farmers and pastoralists not only gained new knowledge (and confidence) needed to ensure future productivity, but also developed new relationships with experts and peers.

Positive changes to children’s nutrition also occurred - indications are that Kamba and Maasai children are in better health overall since the start of the Activity. Kamba and Maasai craftspeople gained access to stable markets and improved business knowledge leading to a rejuvenation in heritage craft and increased household income for both male and female producers. Household incomes increased too for members of Voluntary Savings and Loans groups who, with increased access to credit and savings, invested in livelihood and business activities. Families are in a better position to meet basic living needs such as food, housing and education, and acquire livestock and/or land to cushion against future economic shocks.

The project showed good value for money. The budget was effectively and efficiently managed at a final cost of NZD 1,005,263 made up of an MFAT contribution of NZD655,376, and a ChildFund New Zealand contribution of NZD 349,887.

ChildFund experienced issues with monitoring, partnerships and capacity that adds to our learning as an organisation. This learning has been incorporated into another agriculture project that started in June 2017.