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ECO's team Kenya presents new films for GIZ ProSoil

02-12-2025

Three new films present the work of ECO/Sustainet for the GIZ project "Soil Protection and Rehabilitation of degraded Soils in Western Kenya". 

A small patch of land or the content of a used water bottle can make the difference: Thanks to the project "Soil Protection and Rehabilitation of degraded Soils" Western Kenyan farmers are technically advised on how to improve soil fertility and secure their harvests against the effects of climate change.

One line of action of the ECO Consult/Sustainet-implemented GIZ project is the establishment of small-scale seed banks. They conserve locally adapted plant genes, help farmers regain control over their planting material and help conserve 'traditional seed wisdom' that may turn valuable as climate change impacts draw near. The first one of three new films produced by ECO Consult's local team leader Dr. George Agaya presents the project's 'seed savers', 'seed ambassadors', and extension methods such as farmer-to-farmer exchange. First steps for small-scale farmers: gather seeds, apply quality control and store the seed, e.g. in used water bottles, for protection against pests. The seeds' maximum storage time of 2 years is complemented by live genetic reservoirs of yam, cassava and potatoes in adjacent gardens. To watch the video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n_2aQsbi0kTn9oRrb-DBLDFgJDjCi3QQ/view

A second film presents the spread of 'kitchen gardens' for women's time-saving access to plants and poultry. Usually husbands spare a patch of self-possessed land, which is then cultivated by their wives. This is the project's entry point for soil enrichment and livelihood improvement, starting from trainings in how to plant seedlings and avoid waste of water. ECO Consult Team Leader Dr. George Ayaga, who has supervised both films, gives a short introduction as we see young and mid-aged beneficiaries adopt the community scheme. To watch the video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SkBry6olThfSGnodh7EjCNhJvSKdM4Gt/view

From Siaya county ProSoil reports how "transformation is stronger when experience is shared". Here, the project's scheme encourages selected farmers to adopt techniques for integrated soil fertility management and cycle economy such as increasing crop diversity and efficient weed suppression. Neighbouring farmers observe innovations, copy them and spread the example on their own account. Despite initial backlashes which the respective film does not conceal - e.g. scepticism and social harassment for fear of theft or witchcraft when children collect material for composting - farmers' tangible benefits from richer soil, healthier plants and better yields are gradually overriding doubts. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yCp3TNqHpPoNI4XXwF53Ynlr3GqCPCR-/view

For more information on the project: see https://www.eco-consult.com/projects-overview/prosoil-prosilience-10035

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