Resilient Agriculture that Works for Young People (RAY)

Practical Action is an international development non-governmental organization that builds sustainable lives and livelihoods with people on the frontlines of poverty and climate change by improving agriculture so that smallholder farmers can adapt to climate change and improve their living standards. It also helps people access affordable energy, clean water, and waste management.

Young people with demonstrable experience in agriculture who are running their own successful and profitable agribusinesses get a platform to mentor fellow young people who are keen on starting and running their agribusinesses. Young people in these counties, Nyamira, Siaya, Homabay, Kisumu, Migori, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga are able to qualify.

Mentoring: Each mentor works with 15 to 20 mentees, training them on innovative agricultural practices (such as regenerative agriculture) and entrepreneurship. This way, young people can start their agribusinesses as farmers or as traders (e.g., agents, aggregators, suppliers, among other businesses) in areas like poultry, African Leafy Vegetables, groundnuts, tomatoes and soya beans.

Relationships and connections: The young women and men joining the program are also linked to agro-dealers and equipment suppliers, through which they can access modern and quality farming tools and products, and off-takers (agents), processors and other buyers, through whom they can sell their products. They also obtain information on land leases and are linked to financial institutions to access funding (affordable loans) for their business capital.

Mindset shift: This program challenges harmful social and cultural norms and perceptions that discourage young people, especially young women, from pursuing careers in agriculture, which, evidence shows, is a profitable business venture.