Historically, Nyanza Province is a politically marginalized area. It has been neglected to the point of impoverishment. Though there is now a democratically-elected government, protracted neglect by previous governments and the recent civil unrest, coupled with the menace of HIV/AIDS, are having serious repercussions on development and especially food security. These debilitating circumstances are making it difficult for the communities to fully explore and benefit from the few natural resources they have left.

This program works in partnership with, and seeks to strengthen, the registered community-based organization Friends of Katuk-Odeyo (FOKO). While the program works across numerous themes, there is a strong emphasis in sustainable agriculture, particularly with farmer-led experimentation, promotion of options for soil fertility improvement and water harvesting and conservation.

Regular food shortages in this area result from low agricultural productivity due to the effects of HIV/AIDS, which has produced large numbers of orphans and widows/widowers. Health care services consume much of the population’s meager resources. The Future for AIDS Orphans (FUFAO) project aims to improve the lives of HIV/AIDS-affected people in the Oyugis area of Nyanza province by increasing income and improving food security among 340 participants. The project will provide 20 heifers, 40 dairy goats, 15 pairs of donkeys and 95 pairs of oxen and accessories.

Poultry specific surveillance / detection

This project helps to provide a sustainable livelihood to orphans living near Lake Victoria, recognized as the first home of the Kenya AIDS epidemic. The project identified 1,920 HIV/AIDS orphans, siblings and their families and has provided them with dairy goats to improve their access to better nutrition and income. It also includes plans to assist these orphans through training in integrated agriculture and organic farming systems to produce vegetables for market and to provide balanced diets and improved nutrition.