Despite the dire circumstances under which Africa's rural poor live, there is tremendous potential to develop effective solutions to extreme poverty. Some families have been able to invest in very modest income-generating activities. Even small-scale investments have been able to create a sustainable source of extra income and an improvement in quality of life.
One family invested in a modest greenhouse to produce and sell vegetables
Walking through any town in Kilifi district, it is difficult to avoid coming across any number of small, family-run enterprises. These could take the form of vegetables at a farm stand, rope made from coconut husks or charcoal created from local trees. Many poor farm families seize any opportunities that come their way to generate a little extra income, and this entrepreneurial spirit has helped many realize modest increases in their standard of living. Even small amounts of extra income can help families begin saving money, which will allow them to continue to invest in their wellbeing.
Access to many income-generating activities depends on a family's resources. Raising certain vegetables may require investment in a makeshift greenhouse while farmers would need to invest in livestock to produce milk. These modest opportunities are often only available to families lucky enough to have access to a small amount of savings or with the ability to borrow from a relative who has found employment. The potential for successful family enterprises exists, but they are typically beyond the reach of most families and operated on such a small scale that only minor amounts of income can be earned.
KOMAZA sees potential in the entrepreneurial spirit of our families and in the ability for small investments to make meaningful changes in the lives of the poor. We also understand that while small family enterprises may only create moderate amounts of extra income, better-coordinated activities could create significant amounts of life-changing income for poor farm families. The tree farms we help our families plant represent an investment KOMAZA makes on their behalf, while the processing and marketing services allow all of our farm families work collectively to maximize their extra income.
