Documentary: Sustainable Food Systems In Western Kenya

The Sustainable Food Systems (SUSTFARM) Project was a three-year initiative implemented in Western Kenya (Kakamega, Siaya and Bungoma Counties) from 2023 to 2026. The project responded to persistent challenges affecting smallholder farmers, including low productivity, climate and weather variability, soil fertility decline, post-harvest losses, limited market access, and inadequate dietary diversity. Guided by a food systems lens, the project addressed interconnected elements from production to aggregation, value addition, marketing, consumption, and enabling policy environments. Activities were designed to contribute to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving food security and nutrition, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable production practices, reducing losses, and strengthening local value chains. Collaboratively implemented by Anglican Development Services Western (ADS-W), Welthungerhilfe (WHH), and the Kenya National Federation of Farmers (KENAFF), SUSTFARM aimed to improve smallholder livelihoods through modern and sustainable food production models, strengthened community institutions, and inclusive market-oriented approaches. The project theory of change assumed that when smallholder farmers and their institutions gain practical skills, appropriate technologies, and improved market linkages—while simultaneously restoring the natural resource base and strengthening nutrition knowledge—then productivity, product quality, and household dietary outcomes will improve sustainably. This combination was expected to increase incomes, reduce vulnerability to climate and market shocks, and promote responsible production and consumption across local food systems. SUSTFARM applied a participatory, community-anchored implementation approach. The project combined farmer-to-farmer learning, strengthened extension and input supply linkages, supported collective action through groups and cooperatives, and worked with schools as learning hubs to stimulate early adoption of sustainable practices. #SemezaDocumentaries