A step in locally-led climate action
Climate change is taking a heavy toll on agro-pastoralist communities due to their significant dependence on climatic conditions. Livelihoods are being disrupted, food security is threatened, and traditional farming methods struggle to keep pace with erratic weather patterns.
In Kajiado County, an Arid and Semi-Arid region in Kenya, this pressure is felt acutely as degraded pastures and diminishing resources make life harder for communities.
For Rev. Harun Suyianka, this challenge sparked a mission to bring about change.
A champion of change
To address these challenges and support farmers to adapt, SNV and its partners are implementing the Integrated & Climate Smart Innovation for Agro-Pastoralist Economies and Landscapes (ICSIAPL) project, which focuses on improving the livelihoods of agro-pastoralist communities through enhanced forage production and livestock husbandry.
Within the project, Reverend Harun Suyianka emerged strongly as one of the farmers driving adaptation and a key figure in pushing for community change, mitigation and adaptation. Rev. Suyianka started working with the ICSIAPL project in 2021 through the Kajiado Hay Farmers’ Cooperative. Within his farm, he supported the establishment of a demonstration farm, a centre of learning by seeing and helping more than 150 local farmers embrace sustainable forage production practices.
On his demo farm, Rev. Suyianka introduced nine different types of fodder crops, including rangeland grasses, forage sorghum, millet, and legumes. Even with long periods of drought, the farm gave farmers the chance to try out these crops, learn how to grow forage in a sustainable way, and improve their livestock care.
Scaling up through Innovation Fund
In 2023, Rev. Suyianka applied for support through ICSIAPL’s Innovation Fund.
The Innovation Fund supports private sector investments that help increase the use of better forage seed varieties and sustainable farming practices for resilience. These investments not only contribute to economic sustainability but also address social and environmental challenges faced by agro-pastoralist communities in the ASALs.
Farmers are not just looking to survive - they’re ready to thrive with the right tools and knowledge’
Rev. Suyianka
What progress did Rev. Suyianka achieve with this funding?
To ensure year-round forage production, he installed a 200,000-litre water tank and a boom irrigation system, allowing crops to grow consistently, regardless of weather variabilities.
He expanded his haybarn capacity from 5,000 to 15,000 bales and increased his forage production area from 5 to 18 acres, showing how sustainable farming practices can be scaled up even in harsh ASAL conditions.
He invested in a tractor-driven forage chopper, improving his ability to conserve and process forage more efficiently.
By using solar-powered water pumps and a storage system, he ensures a steady water supply on his farm.
His farm became a practical learning centre, where farmers receive mentoring and training.
Additionally, he bulks and sells various high-quality forage varieties, providing other farmers with access to seeds, cuttings, and splits.
Building a resilient future
'After completing financial management training, I’ve improved my record-keeping and business skills, which has helped me manage multiple income streams from my farm more effectively. With my upcoming dairy operation and a new cow shed under construction, I’m excited to see how these investments will bring even more value to my family.'
