Jenifer Limakeris, a woman of remarkable resilience at 37, has undergone a profound transformation from a life circumscribed by societal constraints to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur in her community. This remarkable journey is attributable to the catalyzing impact of the Women Economic Empowerment through Climate Smart Agriculture (WEE-CSA) project, entrepreneurng.com
Hailing from the remote hills of West Pokot County, Jenifer’s early years were characterized by relentless toil in an environment where prevailing societal norms confined women to roles primarily focused on childbearing and daily labor, all without property rights. However, the trajectory of her life took a dramatic turn, and today, she stands as a testament to the success story emerging from the WEE-CSA project. Breaking cultural barriers, Jenifer has become one of the first female cattle owners in Kerelwa village, Batei Ward.
Implemented by UN Women, FAO, and Village Enterprise, with support from the County Government of West Pokot and funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Kenya, the project has empowered individuals like Jenifer through regular trainings. These sessions cover a spectrum of topics ranging from public participation in policy development to the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies.
Jenifer, along with her group, the Kang’ota Women Self Help Group, has harnessed the knowledge gained from these trainings. Her smile radiates the transformative impact of CSA adoption, propelling her beyond subsistence farming. She has diversified her agricultural practices, cultivating high-value crops such as bulb onions, kales, Blacknight shade, and spinach, coupled with improved indigenous poultry—all encouraged and promoted by the project. This shift has not only ensured access to high-value products for consumption and surplus sale but has also turned farming into a lucrative business.
Reflecting on her early life in Kerelwa Village, where educational opportunities were elusive, especially for girls in polygamous families, Jenifer found herself married after completing primary school. Shouldering the responsibility of seven children as a second wife, she navigated the challenges of her circumstances. The WEE-CSA project has equipped her with skills that transcend traditional roles, propelling her from maize farming to a diversified and profitable agricultural enterprise.
The tangible success of Jenifer’s endeavors is evident in the revenue generated from her venture. This has enabled her to purchase a small bull, which has now become a substantial asset with increased value. Her products, sold in Ortum market, bring in a weekly income of Sh1,200, allowing her to save a minimum of Sh500 per week.
The Kang’ota Women Self Help Group has embraced table banking, further amplifying the project’s impact. With increased incomes, group members now save between Sh300 and Sh1000 weekly, fostering economic independence. Jenifer’s savings, amounting to Sh12,000, became the capital that transformed a small bull into a valuable asset, showcasing the financial empowerment achieved through collective efforts.
The success of the Kang’ota Women Self Help Group has attracted the attention of the WEE-CSA project, which now plans to support them further. An upcoming initiative involves providing a Poultry feed crusher and mixer, aiming to enhance access to affordable poultry feed. This support not only benefits the group members but also has positive ripple effects on the local community, ensuring sustained economic growth for all.
Conclusion: Jenifer limakeris
Jenifer’s journey is not just an individual success story; it’s a testament to the transformative power of community-focused projects. These initiatives have the profound ability to turn fields of hardship into fields of freedom and economic prosperity. Jenifer expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of FAO Kenya for their instrumental role in her success.
