For decades, development institutions have treated agriculture and health as separate sectors, each operating in isolation with distinct policies, budgets, and interventions. In Kenya, this separation is reflected in the existence of two independent ministries, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture with minimal coordinated action between them.
3E Africa recently convened a transformative Stakeholder Engagement and project showcase...
At 3E Africa, our mission is ambitious yet vital, to foster sustainable development across the continent through integrated initiatives in environment, entrepreneurship and energy. We believe that true progress requires a holistic approach, leveraging local strengths and engaging every member of the community.
Dairy farming has been a pillar of economic activity in our Molo since colonial times, a tradition passed down through generations. However, over time, a single, persistent challenge, feeding the cows has drawn many farmers away from this valuable activity
For generations, farmers have relied on their land and expertise to produce for home consumption and sale the surplus, but a lack of formal financial knowledge has often limited their ability to fully capitalize on their hard work. Financial Literacy training is set to change that narrative, equipping Coffee farmers with essential skills to manage, grow, and secure their farm finances, making farming a high-income activity for the households.
Working with our community projects across Kenya, we know how tough it can be to involve everyone in our activities. We sometimes face limitations, lack of adequate resources, selection criteria that restrict who can join, or personal challenges faced by the individuals. Despite these challenges, we at 3E Africa always strive to ensure all groups are included, women, men, youth, and people living with a disability.
In the world of development work, it’s a common to see non-governmental organizations (NGOs) implementing projects. They build schools, dig boreholes, and run sustainable Agriculture training programs. But what happens when the funding ends and the NGO moves on? Too often, the projects end with them. This is the challenge that 3E organization addresses by forging powerful partnerships with government and County institutions, ensuring their work isn’t just a temporary fix but a permanent fixture in the communities they serve.
In rural Kenya, a quiet revolution is taking place, led by the very people often left behind, the youth. As the generation with the most to lose from global issues, their long-term vision, energy, and adaptability are proving to be the most powerful catalysts for sustainable change. At 3E Africa, we’ve learned firsthand that empowering young people is not just a part of our work, it’s the key to achieving a lasting impact.
We’re thrilled to announce a monumental step forward in our mission to champion sustainability in the coffee sector. Here at 3E Africa, we’ve officially joined the Centre for Circular Economy in Coffee. This partnership is not just a milestone, it’s a launchpad for deeper research, innovative solutions, and greater impact right here in Kenya and across the coffee value chain.
In the drought-ridden lands of Marigat sub-county, Baringo South, where rainfall is minimal and agricultural options are limited, access to nutritious food has been a persistent challenge. For generations, communities have largely relied on purchasing foods, especially outside the brief rainy season, leading to low nutrition and significant financial strain.
Kenya’s rural communities are the backbone of its economy, with agriculture driving GDP and employing a large portion of the population. Historically, they have been the primary source of food for urban areas and a key contributor to exports, solidifying the rural sector as Kenya’s agricultural hub.
Our planet has sustained humanity since the beginning, and our ancestors learned to care for it. However, increasing population exerts immense pressure daily. Deforestation for farming and settlement, along with river pollution from sewage and plastic, severely impacts our beautiful planet. We must ask: will our planet withstand this pressure?
Over the past two weeks, our team has spent time with farmers on their land. This close interaction and the subsequent data collection have revealed the significant challenges they currently face. The farmers mainly depend on farming to provide for their families, a crucial question arises, in the era of climate change can agriculture remain a sustainable livelihood for them?
The recently concluded second Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference was an experience of inspiration, innovation, and collaborative spirit. We at 3E Africa were privileged to be part of this vital gathering, where global experts and practitioners converged to discuss the future of sustainable agriculture.
3E Africa is excited to announce its partnership with 1% for the Planet, a global network dedicated to uniting businesses and individuals in the quest for a healthier planet. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in 3E Africa’s mission to drive sustainable development and environmental resilience in rural Kenyan communities.
Rural communities, the heart of many nations, are vital sources of food, resources, and cultural heritage. Yet, they often face significant challenges: poverty, limited education access, and inadequate infrastructure. Recognizing this, 3E Organization has discovered that women inclusion is important to bridge these gaps. Empowering women is not just about gender equality, it’s the cornerstone of thriving communities.
Recognizing the critical need for sustainable agricultural solutions, 3E Africa recently invested in comprehensive training for its staff on the principles and practices of syntropic agriculture. This regenerative approach, which mimics natural forest ecosystems, is seen as a vital component in achieving our organization’s goals for long-term agricultural sustainability
Dairy farming in the highland region of Molo Subcounty, Kenya, hold great potential for growth. However, farmers face significant challenges, including inadequate knowledge, poor housing, and poor feeding practices, all of which hinder their ability to achieve high milk yields.
Every year, Kenya discards over 10,000 tons of coffee husks—the shells stripped from coffee beans during processing. For generations, coffee farming has been a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, providing livelihoods for many. Yet behind the aroma of each freshly brewed cup lies a largely overlooked byproduct: coffee husks. Traditionally discarded or burned, these husks not only contribute to environmental pollution but also represent a missed opportunity for sustainable development.
For generations, rural communities have relied heavily on non-renewable energy sources like firewood for their basic needs – cooking, lighting, and heating. This dependence not only strains our forests but also contributes significantly to climate change. Recognizing this urgent need for sustainable solutions, the 3E organization is championing the adoption of clean energy sources, particularly biogas, in rural areas.
Despite its high potential for dairy farming, Molo, like many highland areas in Kenya, has been hindered by a lack of technical knowledge among farmers. This has often resulted in low milk production, limiting the income potential for many households. To address this challenge, the 3E organization has been working to equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage their dairy cows.
For generations, coffee farmers in Kabazi have relied on traditional knowledge to cultivate their crops. While these practices have sustained livelihoods, they often fall short in maximizing profits and ensuring financial stability. To address this, 3E Organization has prioritized entrepreneurial development, focusing on financial literacy to empower farmers.
Mangroves are carbon rich ecosystem that are mainly found in tropical areas around the world. However, they are threatened by a combination of natural and human induced factors. In the coastal town of Lamu, Kenya, mangrove degradation is particularly evident. While these forests have traditionally sustained the local communities, overexploitation for timber and fuelwood has taken a heavy toll.
In the highland counties of Kenya, dairy farming has long been a cornerstone of the local economy. Many farmers practice small-scale operations, each tending to a few cows that produce an average of 5 litres of milk per milking session. While traditional milk products have been passed down through generations, their short shelf life and nutrient loss often limit their economic potential.
Fodder trees offer a multitude of benefits for dairy farmers, including improved nutrition, increased milk production, cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. The Milk Bora project demonstrates the positive impact that fodder trees can have on small-scale dairy farming operations.
Entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful force for economic development, creating jobs and fostering innovation. By providing entrepreneurs with the necessary support, we can unleash the full potential of this sector and create even more opportunities for growth.
With over half the world’s population under 25, young people are a potent force for change. Their ability to harness technology is driving innovation and creating solutions across sectors. To achieve a sustainable future, it’s imperative to place youth at the heart of development agendas, from local communities to the global stage.
Financial literacy is essential for dairy farmers to make profit. Without it, tracking earnings, identifying investment opportunities, and transforming farming from a hobby to a high-income activity becomes challenging. At 3E, where we prioritize entrepreneurial development for our farmers, we recognized this very challenge.
Sarah Ruto, a 48-year-old resident of Kaptich village in Marigat subcounty, Kenya, was familiar with the challenges of farming in an arid and semi-arid area (ASAL). For years, she relied on maize farming primarily for commercial purposes, generating income only once a year, which mainly went towards her children’s school fees.
In Marigat, a Kenyan area known for its arid and semi-arid climate, malnutrition a is prevalent. Unpredictable rainfall patterns make achieving food security a constant struggle. The dry seasons render large parts of the year unproductive.
Farmers have traditionally relied on their own methods to store grain after harvest, but these methods often have limitations and are not very efficient. While there’s been a focus on increasing crop yields, less attention has been paid to post-harvest losses, which can be as high as 30%.
As environmental conservation takes center stage, 3E Africa is pioneering innovative solutions that prioritize both the environment and economic prosperity. Their holistic approach in Subukia, perfectly demonstrates this, creating a win-win situation for farmers and the land they cultivate
Climate change has put environmental conservation into the spotlight. Human activities and pollution have degraded our lands, harming the environment. Restoring these lands requires a collective effort to ensure a better future for generations to come.
For generations, Kabazi farmers have nurtured coffee trees, their livelihoods have been sustained by coffee for over 50 years. However, time has brought challenges. Traditional SL 28 and Batian varieties have yielded diminishing returns, averaging at 3kg per tree.
In Molo subcounty, Kenya, where agriculture is the main source of income for many households, farmers face challenges from chemical-intensive practices that degrade soil health and traditional cow feeding methods that limit milk production and income.
Coffee farming has long been a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, especially in the country’s highlands. Introduced by white settlers, coffee cultivation took root, and after their departure, local Kenyans took over the farms.
The recent downpour, initially a welcome sight for parched farmland, has transformed into a nightmare for over 27 Kenyan counties. The longed-for rain has become relentless, causing devastating floods that bring a multitude of hardships
In Kenya, 3Es’ initiative is transforming milk handling, focusing on safety and quality. Transitioning from plastic containers, training sessions, and equipment distribution mark key steps supported by figures like Mrs. Beth Wangari Mbuthia. Farmers’ positive response highlights dedication to improvement, promising a brighter future for the dairy industry through collaboration and innovation.
3E is leading the transition to renewable energy, particularly biogas, among Molo farmers. By replacing traditional fuels with biogas, households reduce emissions, improve waste management, and boost productivity.
In Molo subcounty, dairy farming is on the rise, but challenges like feeding practices hinder productivity. 3Es organization steps in, offering training on fodder diversification and good agricultural practices. This leads to increased milk production and better incomes for farmers, like Mary Wachuka, who now sees dairy farming as a sustainable livelihood.
The Mau Juhudi Self Help Group, with support from 3E, established a milk bar to provide quality milk while ensuring safety standards. This initiative has led to increased sales and added value through cheese and yogurt production. Not only does it benefit small-scale farmers, but it also promotes sustainable business practices within the community.