WEST POKOT, Kenya – Sometimes in 2014, about 5 farmers in West Pokot County came together under the Drylands Farmer Research Network (FRN) Movement.
The main objective of forming this body was to address the issue of soil conservation in the arid and semi-arid regions.
However, this evolved quickly to address the needs of farmers for food and nutrition, reforestation, gully rehabilitation, water, incomes, and knowledge co-creation and sharing hubs.
This quickly transformed the project into a multifaceted project comprising a community seed system (promoting open-pollinated maize varieties and hybrid common bean varieties such as Nyota), community tree nurseries, gully rehabilitation (sand dams), management of sand harvesting, soil conservation (installation of terraces, live enclosures, and cutoff drains), and water harvesting (community tanks and sand dams).
The project promoted improved chicken breeds such as KARI Kienyeji, Sasso, and Kroilers to meet the revenue difficulties. The community tree nurseries also incorporated a seedling sales business concept.
The FRN groups, which presently number 37 and have 1,120 families as members, are using table banking ideas to make it easier for people to save money and get credit.
As a result of these accomplishments, the FRN movement is evolving into Kipkomo Rostagh SACCO, a Savings and Credit Limited (SACCO). The SACCO seeks to improve the community’s economic well-being and encourage a savings mindset among agropastoralists.
How the University of Eldoret empowered livelihoods in West Pokot County
To guarantee that there is a market for every product and that the community has access to reasonably priced, farmer-centred financing facilities, the SACCO will lead all commercial aspects of the FRN movement.
At the center of this grassroots revolution is the Kipkomo Rostagh SACCO, a community-led savings and credit cooperative born out of “a soil and water conservation project” dubbed Farmer Research Network funded by Mcknight Foundation through University of Eldoret. What began in 2014 as a humble effort to save the land from degradation has blossomed into a powerful force for economic empowerment, bringing together farmers, youth, women, and local leaders in pursuit of a more sustainable future.
“We started with environmental conservation, but what we have now is a living model of a circular economy,” says Professor Wilson Ng’etich, one of the founders of the initiative from the University of Eldoret.
Today, the SACCO has over 1,027 members drawn from the locations of Senetwo, Pserum and Morpus which lie within Kipkomo Sub-County, and is setting its sights on reaching 10,000. Its presence is being felt not just in bank books but in the energy that now hums through Chepareria trading center and its surrounding villages.
“What started as a conservation initiative has become a tool for sustainable development and financial inclusion,” Prof. Ng’etich proudly states.
For many years, the only options available to many young people in Kipkomo Sub-County were to move, work in informal jobs, or—all too frequently—be seduced into cattle rustling. SACCO membership, however, is now providing a more secure and effective substitute.
“We have hope with this SACCO,” adds youth representative George Mnang’at. “Now, young people like me who manage small farming businesses can access loans to help us with our hustle and have a place to save.” It is freedom rather than just money.
How have the young people and women been supported through this noble initiative
Soft loans with flexible payback terms, emergency loans, and customised credit for agricultural supplies like seeds, fertiliser, and pesticides are just a few of the many financial services that the SACCO provides. Even funding for farm equipment is included, which is revolutionary for areas where oxen have historically been the standard technology.
George claims that this financial access is assisting young people in making the shift from subsistence to profit-driven farming, with some even venturing into retail and agribusiness.
Additionally, the SACCO is more than just a financial institution for women in Kipkomo Sub-County; it is a symbol of equality, empowerment, and dignity.
Jennifer Meskina, the chairlady of the Takar FRN Group, states, “As women, we are proud to finally have our own SACCO.” We were previously forced to work with dubious organisations that either squandered our cash or required collateral that we lacked. This SACCO pays attention to us and fosters our development.
Jennifer remembers numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain credit from unlicensed lenders or informal savings clubs, where women were frequently excluded or subjected to discrimination. Women are currently using SACCO loans to invest in livestock, grow small businesses, and pay for their children’s education.
This change hasn’t occurred in a vacuum. It is the outcome of a strong collaboration between the West Pokot County Government, which is actively promoting cooperative development, and the University of Eldoret, which offers training and technical assistance.
The county’s Director of Investment and Cooperative Management, Mr. William Ntoina, stated that this SACCO is the perfect way to improve our local communities. “We are implementing training in sustainable land use and financial literacy as part of our commitment to supporting citizen-driven initiatives.”
Why are the SACCO members concerned about environmental conservation
The SACCO’s connection to conservation is one of its distinctive qualities; membership is linked to efforts to preserve soil and water, guaranteeing that environmental preservation does not come at the price of economic expansion. The natural potential of the area is in line with this idea; West Pokot boasts fertile soils that provide crops like legumes, maize, and mangoes.
“We cannot separate our livelihoods from the land,” Ntoina emphasised. “This initiative ensures both are nurtured together.”
The #rangelands cover a significant portion of the IGAD region, supporting livelihoods of millions, especially pastoral & agro-pastoral communities, contributing to food security, biodiversity & climate resilience. @IGAD_CPALD‘s ongoing two-day Regional Forum on Research
For many in Kipkomo Sub-County, the SACCO is more than a financial institution. It is a symbol of self-reliance, community spirit, and a break from past marginalisation and economic instability.
“We need our youth to focus on positive, income-generating activities,” said Senior Chief Mathias Chespar. “Joining the SACCO is a step toward building a better future, not just for individuals, but for the entire community.”
The SACCO’s motto, “From Conservation to Prosperity,” captures the essence of its mission. It is an ongoing story—still unfolding—but one that offers hope, especially in a region where such hope has often been hard to come by.
As Kipkomo Sub-County moves forward, their journey serves as a blueprint for other rural communities in Kenya and beyond: with collaboration, conservation, and a cooperative spirit, lasting change is not only possible—it’s already happening.
