From regenerative farming to diversified production in Kenya: the story of Violet Kageha
In the heart of Kakamega County, Violet Kageha’s journey from a smallholder farmer to a thriving agribusiness entrepreneur stands as an inspiration to many. A dedicated farmer and trainer, Violet was initially engaged in traditional farming methods, earning just enough to sustain her family. However, her story took a transformative turn when she became a coach for the Eshibeye Vegetable Business Network. This was made possible thanks to training and support from the Veggies 4 Planet & People (V4P&P) project, implemented by WorldVeg and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), with the support of the IKEA Foundation.
The project introduced her to regenerative agriculture, an approach that improved her vegetable production through an emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation. Through training and hands-on experience, she learned how to enhance soil fertility, reduce chemical use, and implement eco-friendly farming techniques. This exposure opened her eyes to the opportunities for agribusiness, beyond just the growing of vegetables.
Determined to expand her farming ventures, Violet diversified into fish farming and biogas production, turning her home into a model farm that demonstrates the potential of integrated agriculture. The fish farm provides an additional income stream while also contributing to food security in her community. Meanwhile, the biogas project significantly reduced her household’s reliance on expensive cooking fuel, cutting costs and promoting clean energy.
Her success was not only financial but also transformational. With the increased income from her newly diversified agribusiness, Violet was able to upgrade from a mud-walled semi-permanent house to a permanent home – a significant milestone that symbolized the fruits of her hard work and innovation.
Violet attributes her achievements to the eye-opening experience she gained through the V4P&P project. Beyond technical skills, the program equipped her with knowledge in agribusiness management, market access and financial literacy, enabling her to scale her operations and create a sustainable farming enterprise.
Today, Violet stands as a role model for other farmers in her community, showcasing how sustainable agriculture and agribusiness can transform lives. Her farm serves as a learning center, inspiring fellow farmers to embrace regenerative agriculture and explore diverse income-generating opportunities. Her journey is a testament to the benefits from the project’s interventions, translating knowledge, innovation and resilience into economic empowerment through sustainable agriculture.
Augustine Wafula and Simon Theuri, WorldVeg Kenya
Veggies 4 Planet & People is implemented by the World Vegetable Center and SNV Netherlands Development Organization, with partners including CABI, Shujaaz, ODI, the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia, NGOs, business mentors, seed companies, and local policy makers. The project thanks IKEA Foundation for its generous financial support, with co-funding from Biovision Foundation for the Greener Greens project.
