The SNV-REALMS Project
The regenerative agricultural practices for improved livelihood and markets (REALMS) is a four-year project funded by the IKEA foundation and implemented in Two countries, Kenya and Rwanda by The SNV. This project’s main aim is to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers in the two countries.
To improve smallholder farmers livelihoods, REALMS project proposes the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices that include; soil and water conservation methods, integrated pest management methods, reduced use of chemicals in the farms (inorganic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides)
The world’s population grows steadily as dietary patterns changes daily. This necessitates a demand for more food and agriculture carries the burden for food security. Agriculture has been intensified over the years to provide enough food for the growing population. Unsustainable agricultural practices over the past years have led to climate change that is pollution, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and poverty. Smallholder farmers in the two countries are encouraged and supported to adopt and apply regenerative agricultural practices such as the utilization of digestate(bio-slurry) or compost manure and biological pest control measures.
Organic fertilizer application
To address such issues, SNV-REALMS project is working with different local service providers, influential stakeholders and partners who aid in creating an enabling environment for the smooth running of the project. All these value chain actors work closely with the smallholder farmers and their communities to provide practical and hands-on field training. Among the stakeholders and partners in Kenya are; the Great Lakes university of Kisumu (GLUK), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Society of crop Agribusiness Advisors of Kenya (SOCCA), Anglican Development Services (ADS) etc.
