Eagles Self Help Group in Ongarima, Teso South, Busia County is improving household nutrition and promoting agroecology through the support of the NICE Project. Before joining the project, the group kept 300 chickens, which they sold as an income generation initiative to boost members and household income, but this was minimal. Through the Small Grants Initiative, they expanded their flock to 1,000 chickens. Almost a year later, the group is diversifying into brooding using 300 brooders, increasing eggs production, chicks and mature chicken for sale as well as home consumption.
To strengthen dietary diversity at household level, the group, with support from the NICE Project, organised a nutrition field day targeting mostly young women, training them on nutrition, the importance of food groups, and how to include poultry and African leafy vegetables in daily meals. They also learnt safer food preservation to store foods safely and retain nutrients. Sylvia Namachi the group’s treasurer and one of the women trained recalls, “Initially, we thought all foods were the same. Now we understand how to combine different food groups, and we have started including eggs, poultry, and African leafy vegetables in our daily meals.”
Members have also adopted Ukulima True campaign [1] principles designed and co-created with CABI to implement integrated pest management (IPM) reducing pesticide risks and promote safer crop production. They manage poultry with good hygiene and reuse manure to improve soil fertility.
“In a cluster of 20 homes, five now have chickens thanks to the NICE Project’s initial investment and training,” explains Duncan, a group member. “Having these chicken means more eggs and more protein in our meals, and that change is already improving nutrition in our community.” He added.
Today, Eagles Self Help Group also mentors’ other farmers through practical demonstrations on safe production and balanced diets. The group aims to expand its reach, helping more households adopt nutrition sensitive farming and safer practices that support healthier and more resilient communities.
[1] Ukulima True campaign: is a behaviour change initiative led by CABI and County government of Nakuru to reduce pesticide risks for farmers, consumers, and the environment by promoting safer, sustainable farming practices.
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