By R, KNA
Women in Elgeyo Marakwet County are increasingly being recognised as central actors in the transformation of the county’s agri-food systems.
Through the fusion of indigenous knowledge and climate-smart technologies, the women are driving productivity, food security and ecological sustainability, which are the key pillars of a resilient food system, as outlined in Kenya’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy (2017–2026).
Women account for approximately 60–70% of the agricultural labour force in Kenya, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and contribute up to 80% of food production in rural areas.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, they dominate smallholder farming, engaging in both subsistence and commercial agriculture.
“The role of women in strengthening agricultural systems cannot be overstated,” says Raymond Cheboi, the Marakwet West Sub-County Agriculture Officer.
“They are adopting sustainable soil fertility management, crop diversification and improved seed systems, which are critical in enhancing household resilience and the county’s overall food security,”.
Groups such as the Chebororwa Women Horticultural Cooperative and Kipsimatia Women Farmers Group have transitioned from traditional cereal farming to high-value horticultural enterprises, including French beans, tomatoes and indigenous vegetables.
Supported by the Uwezo Fund and the Women Enterprise Fund, these groups are integrating irrigation technologies and good agricultural practices (GAPs) to boost production efficiency.
In the semi-arid landscapes of Marakwet East and the highland zones of Keiyo, women have combined indigenous agro-ecological knowledge with modern climate adaptation strategies. Their techniques include mixed cropping, mulching, contour farming and Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM).
“We rely on traditional seed systems but complement them with certified drought-tolerant varieties,” explains Faith Jepchumba, chairperson of the Kipsimatia Women Farmers’ Cooperative.
“Through irrigation and organic composting, we stabilise yields and maintain soil productivity even during prolonged dry spells,” she explains
These practices are consistent with the FAO’s framework on Agro ecology and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), which promotes sustainable intensification, increasing yields without degrading natural resources. Women’s adoption of CSA has directly contributed to enhanced adaptive capacity and reduced vulnerability among smallholder households in the county.
Access to financial services remains a critical enabler of agricultural resilience. Women’s cooperatives in Elgeyo Marakwet are increasingly utilising microfinance platforms and government funds to expand agribusiness operations.
Everline Jebet, a horticultural producer in Lelan Ward, says access to financing has transformed their operations.
“Through group savings and access to Uwezo Fund loans, we acquired drip irrigation kits and built a solar dryer for post-harvest management. This has improved year-round production and reduced losses,” she says.
The introduction of solar-powered cold storage units and village aggregation centres, supported by the County Department of Agriculture, has strengthened women’s participation in agricultural value chains.
These interventions enhance market access, improve price stability, and reduce post-harvest losses, which account for up to 30% of production losses nationally (MoALFC, 2023).
Women’s engagement in natural resource management is equally transformative. In areas such as Tot, Sambirir and Embobut, women groups are leading community-driven initiatives on watershed rehabilitation, reforestation and Sustainable Land Management (SLM).
“We practice terracing, contour farming and agroforestry using drought-tolerant species such as grevillea and calliandra. These interventions improve water retention, prevent soil erosion and support long-term food productivity,” says Naomi Kiprop, a local climate champion from Tot
These grassroots initiatives align with Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP 2018–2022) and the County Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2021–2025), both of which emphasise gender mainstreaming and community participation in sustainable natural resource management.
The Elgeyo Marakwet County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP III) highlights the empowerment of women farmers as a strategic pathway to achieving inclusive agricultural growth.
County leadership has been instrumental in promoting gender-responsive policies that enhance access to extension services, credit and climate information.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich reaffirmed this commitment during the County Agricultural Field Day held in Iten.
“Empowering women through knowledge transfer, financing and mechanisation support is not just an equity issue. It is the foundation of a resilient and food-secure county,” he said.
The experiences of women farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet demonstrate that resilience in food systems is rooted in inclusivity, knowledge integration, and climate adaptability. By bridging traditional agricultural wisdom with scientific innovation, women are strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural communities while protecting natural ecosystems.
As Faith Jepchumba concludes, “Women are the linchpins of our agricultural resilience. Their role transcends production; they are innovators, environmental stewards and community leaders shaping the future of food security in Elgeyo Marakwet.”
From the terraced slopes of the highlands to the dry plains of the Kerio Valley, women continue to cultivate not only crops but hope, nurturing resilient food systems capable of withstanding tomorrow’s uncertainties.