An integrated refugee vegetable production in Kalobeyei shade-netted horticultural farms. Francis Ekiru/FAO

FAO is one of the leading organizations promoting agriculture for the livelihoods, resilience, and self-reliance of refugees and host communities in the Kalobeyei integrated settlement and its environs. The interventions are premised on the Kalobeyei Integrated Socioeconomic Development Plan (KISEDP) and Socioeconomic Hubs for Integrated Refugee Inclusion in Kenya (SHIRIKA Plan). Through the European Union Trust Fund (EUTF) funding, FAO in collaboration with the County Government of Turkana is implementing the Enhancing Self-reliance for Refugees and Host Communities in Kenya (ESRH) project. A total of 56 Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs) out of which 19 are refugees have been trained in crop production, agribusiness, and     agri-nutrition. 

During the World Refugee Day celebration in the Kalobeyei settlement, the FAO-trained Agri-nutrition facilitators showcased different food recipes. This was done to sensitize refugees and guests on the importance of agriculture, household food and nutrition security, and the need for healthy feeding. The exhibitions were in line with this year’s theme and underpinned the contribution of agriculture in creating hope for refugees living in Kakuma and Kalobeyei since access to food and nutrition are essential human rights. The project has continued to empower refugees in Kalobeyei, where so far 1,500 households are now engaged in horticultural production, while about 1,200 households are growing different crops within the settlement.

Through linkages with the private sector, 1,250 refugee farmer households, most of them females accessed tools and equipment to efficiently produce their crops, and 837 households received inputs for livestock-based livelihoods. 2,168 farmer households were trained and observed Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to improve standards for safe and sustainable crop production. Through Agribusiness interventions of the EUTF project, 474 refugee agriprenuers (70% female) were trained and equipped to improve their agricultural production. The agri-nutrition activities of the project focused on increasing practical knowledge for growing high-value crops for the market as well as for dietary diversification, food utilization, and preservation at the household level. 

The FAO, in collaboration with the National and County Government of Turkana health and agri-nutrition focal points, developed an Agri-nutrition standard curriculum for hands-on training of community members. This curriculum helped in the development of the Turkana County Agri-Nutrition Implementation Strategy (CANIS). Over 1,000 refugee households have become champions of Agri nutrition practices.

In addition, FAO in collaboration with Lotus Kenya Action for Development (LOKADO), the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), UNHCR, and local governance institutions in the Kalobeyei settlement, sensitized 6,092 people (54% youth) on a range of environmental management. Integrated in this project is also the promotion of environmental conservation including the use of nature-based solutions.

In solidarity with refugees, FAO continues to prioritize refugee involvement in agriculture and alternative livelihoods, building their resilience and self-reliance, and making Kakuma and Kalobeyei the right places for them to live and realize their dreams.

For more information contact 

Joseph Othieno

National Communications Specialist

FAO Kenya

Email: [email protected]

Or 

Ekiru Francis 

Field School Master Trainer

Email: [email protected]