Upanzi – Initiative

The initiative is a cooperative of farmers from Rusinga East, working for independence and improving food security for the people of Rusinga Island. The initiative was launched in 2021.

The introduction of the vegetable growing program in the Rusinga East community will provide a permanent source of food for the needy families and has a high economic value, as the maximum and continuous production of vegetables, fruits and other crops grown throughout the year will result in a surplus for sale.

A total of 20 needy families, ten each from Waware North and South, will benefit from the program. The seed investment was established as a revolving fund, where participating families learn that they are responsible for repayment and that their contribution can help the community grow and benefit other needy families. The ten families will be provided an initial investment through the repayment of their loan, and the money will revolve and be made available to all families over time.

The target group of the grant is vulnerable families such as widows and widowers, grandparents caring for their grandchildren, people with disabilities and people suffering from chronic diseases such as HIV, etc.