Friends of River Ezava-Forezava

In the sprawling landscapes of rural  Vihiga County, a quiet revolution is underway – one that seeks to transform the fortunes of young farmers and cultivate a sustainable future. Forezava, at the forefront of community climate action, recognizes the pivotal role of empowering farmers in the journey towards Climate Smart and Conservation Agriculture. Kevin, a young farmer, stands at the crossroads of ambition and adversity. Eager to mobilize fellow youth for a collective agricultural venture, he finds himself grappling with daunting government regulations. The recent imposition of a 5% income tax on farm produces for instance has cast a shadow over his aspirations, creating an additional hurdle in an already challenging terrain. Not forgetting the multiple daunting regulations and requirements for the setting up of his enterprise.  Kevin's struggle mirrors the predicament faced by countless young farmers in rural communities. The imposition of such taxes, ostensibly aimed at r...

What is with Sports4Ezava one may ask? What are our lean goals? What are the shortterm objectives? Then what happens for the future and in the long-term? This blog is all about Sports4Ezava, a transformative initiative gradually taking root, promising not only to nurture young talents but also to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards our planet. Forezava Farm proudly     Sports4Ezava project – an innovative toolkit for community climate action that harnesses the power of sports to instigate positive change. At its core, Sports4Ezava is more than just a sports program; it's a holistic approach to community development. The project envisions a collaborative journey, intertwining local school sports teams, passionate coaches, and enthusiastic youth, all working towards a common goal – combating climate change. The first pillar of the initiative revolves around capacity development for coaches. Recognizing the pivotal role coaches play in shaping young minds, Sports4Eza...

As I sit down to reflect on my journey as a social entrepreneur this week, I can't help but marvel at the winding path that brought me to where I am today. It all began in 2015 when, fueled by a mix of excitement and boredom, I co-founded the Vihiga Poverf Digital Youth Group. Little did we know that this venture, initially sparked by youthful enthusiasm, would be the genesis of my foray into social entrepreneurship. Our first project was a vegetable farm at my home, with 1100 stems of kales meticulously planted. However, our optimism was quickly met with the harsh reality of climate change. Devastating rains and hailstorms shredded our hard work, leaving us disheartened. Despite the setback, I persevered. In 2018, I established the Progressive Youth Group, a venture that taught me valuable lessons in resource mobilization and project management. Challenges arose when a faction within the group revolted, resulting in the loss of a significant financial opportunity from a secured pa...

During Fight Inequality Week, we explore the idea of Usawa, which means equality in Swahili. But in many rural areas, equality is a big problem. This inequality comes from how the government spends money, especially hurting poor communities. Rural places often don't get enough money from the government. They face unequal treatment in budgets, which means they lack resources for things like schools, hospitals, and roads. Haven't we noticed how school's like Demesi Secondary, where we host today's event and others grapple with academic excellence? And the same can be said about the local dispensary at Nadanya as well as the market center the event shall take place. This disproportionate allocation of resources has struck a huge challenge for livelihood within rural communities.  People, mostly the youth and and women, cannot access fair opportunities to progress. We should not look away from these damning realities. Since poverty is high, the taxation burden makes the unf...

Wednesday, 3rd January 2024 Kiritu. Change is an inevitable companion in our lives. It arrives in various forms, beckoning us to adapt and evolve. But have you ever thought about how the changing climate around us intertwines with the transformations happening within ourselves? As we take strides into this discussion, imagine a vibrant morning in your village, the familiar sights and sounds that accompany the dawn. The warmth of the sun touching your skin, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, and the laughter echoing across the fields. These scenes, so familiar, are part of our daily lives, aren’t they? But have you noticed the subtle shifts happening around us? Climate change, much like the changes within us, is altering our world in ways we might not always notice at first glance. The once predictable rains now arrive late or in torrents, disrupting our farming patterns and affecting our livelihoods. The prolonged droughts scorch the earth, challenging our ability to grow foo...

We embarked on a transformative journey in 2023, evolving Forezava from a community initiative to a social enterprise. This pivotal year witnessed the convergence of Climate Smart and Conservation Agriculture, paving the way for empowering opportunities for both youth and women. Throughout the year, our project witnessed remarkable growth, generating an astounding impact of $5 for every dollar invested by our invaluable partners and stakeholders. From provisioning farmers with essential seeds and seedlings for establishing model farms to nurturing the production of diverse fruit, bamboo, and indigenous tree seedlings, our accomplishments stand as a testament to our dedication. The highlight of our success was the creation of sustainable avenues for the younger generation. We empowered youth by providing them with the tools and knowledge to set up model farms, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and sustainability among them. This is why for the coming year, our commitment to educati...

It is evident that the youth have the greatest potential to create sustainable solutions for their communities. Amidst this potential, young minds harbor the creativity, ambition, and fresh perspectives needed to ignite change. Empowering these individuals with trust, knowledge, and essential resources becomes pivotal in nurturing their capacity to create sustainable solutions within rural communities. Trust forms the cornerstone of fostering youth involvement. When young people feel trusted and valued, they become catalysts for transformative change. Providing a platform that acknowledges their ideas and abilities instills a sense of ownership and responsibility. Engaging them in decision-making processes and community initiatives not only validates their potential but also nurtures a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Knowledge acts as the fuel that powers innovation. Offering access to education, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities equips young individuals with the t...