The Lind Invest project is a community uplift project being implemented in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. The project aims to improve the social and economic well-being of 7,500 residents of Eldoret. It seeks to diversify their livelihoods and income amongst residents of Uasin Gishu County (Eldoret) through sustainable entrepreneurship and societal recognition. This is a 30-months project funded by Lind Invest.

The project seeks to contribute to the following results:

Outcome 1: Increased income through facilitating climate resilient enterprises and sustainable jobs creation

Outcome 2: Improved agricultural production and productivity through sustainable and climate resilient agricultural practices

Outcome 3: Strengthened micro enterprises through enhanced value addition and market and financial linkages

The adoption of the Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiHEA) business training continues to impact the project participants with more knowledge on entrepreneurship. The most recent project phase has kept more focus on building the participant’s enterprises’ resilience, expansion, commercialization, and increase of member incomes through diversification and linkages to larger markets.

The project has realized significant improvement in a number of parameters including;

Increased Savings: project participants have successfully increased their savings by 40% in the last 1 year. Through financial literacy training and awareness programs, the participants have gained a better understanding of the importance of saving and have actively embraced the practice. This increase in savings is a testament to their dedication and commitment to building a secure financial future.

Adoption of Climate Resilience Practices: HiH’s efforts to promote climate resilience practices have yielded fruitful results. From observations, at least two in every five project participants have adopted climate resilience practices. Through targeted workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns, the participants have learned about sustainable agricultural techniques, efficient water management, and the use of climate-smart technologies. Their adoption of these practices not only ensures better environmental stewardship but also enhances their resilience to climate change impacts.

Increased Crop and Animal Production: The project’s training initiatives and strategic partnerships have contributed to notable improvements in crop and animal production. By providing participants with access to advanced agricultural techniques, improved seeds, and appropriate livestock management practices, we have witnessed significant growth in agricultural productivity. The participants have been quick to implement their newly acquired knowledge and skills, resulting in increased crop yields and improved animal-rearing practices. This development has not only boosted their incomes but also enhanced food security within the community.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration has played a vital role in the success of the Lind Invest project. We have forged strategic partnerships with local agricultural extension services, research institutions, and other key stakeholders. These partnerships have facilitated the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, leading to more comprehensive and effective project implementation. Through these collaborations, we have been able to provide the participants with access to cutting-edge technology, market linkages, and additional training opportunities, further empowering them in their agricultural pursuits.

Overall, the project’s progress is great Lind Invest project and the positive impact it is making in the lives of the participants. The increased savings, adoption of climate resilience practices, and improved crop and animal production are tangible indicators of the project’s success.

To maximize productivity, farmers have been organized into community-based organizations (CBOs). So far, seven CBOs have been established, with an average of 100 members each. A total of 724 farmers have joined these CBOs, focusing on various value chains, with poultry farming being the most prominent. The CBOs have received leadership training to enhance their cohesion and ability to manage the organizations effectively. Additionally, they have been trained in aggregating their produce to strengthen their market bargaining power and benefit from economies of scale when purchasing inputs.

Currently, 2557 members from 140 groups have been recruited. Of the recruited members, 84% (2144) are women and 16% (413) are men. All participants have undergone training on HIHEA’s Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) modules. Almost 95% of each group’s members actively participate in savings through table banking and merry-go-round systems, resulting in a 40% increase in average savings since the previous update. The training has led to the creation of 2294 jobs through the establishment of 1846 enterprises, exceeding the project’s initial targets. This success can be attributed to increased enterprise resilience, access to business funds through partnerships, and improved awareness of risk mitigation strategies. Additionally, 141 members have accessed the HiHEA Enterprise Incubation Fund, receiving a total amount of KES 5,459,914 (USD 49,635.58).