Smallholder farmers in Kenya face economic challenges due to unreliable rainfall and crop failures that impact their ability to obtain loans from banks. To address this, some farmers have formed self-help groups where members pool their money to take turns receiving loans. These informal lending circles help farmers access funds for seeds and supplies. The groups provide a support system and help mitigate the risks of agricultural loans in an unpredictable climate.

1. FEAR AND LOANING IN KENYA:
THE FINANCIAL LIVES OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS
Carlyn A. James
McGill University Anthropology
Presenter: Prof. Leigh Brownhill, McGill University
International Food Security Dialogue 2014
Enhancing Food Production, Gender Equity and
Nutritional Security in a Changing World

2. Many thanks to the sponsors of this
Food Security Dialogue:
Many thanks to the sponsors and contributors to the
KARI-McGill Food Security Project:

3. Watema
Self-Help Group

4. KARI seed varieties

5. Mumbuni
Self-Help Group

6. Watema Self-Help Group

7. Eetu Akitondo Women’s Group

9. Dried up Kaiti River, Makueni County

10. Filling out the Guest Book in the 3K’s Self-Help Group

11. A member of the 3K’s Self-Help Group in Kivani, Makueni County

12. Makongo Hills, Makueni County

13. A member Watema Self-Help Group who drew the “yes” slip,
meaning she will be taking home the group loan this month.