(Posted 10th April 2023)
Article courtesy of Victoria Oucha, Senior Project Coordinator
In many parts of rural Kenya, women face numerous challenges in accessing the resources
and opportunities they need to thrive in the agricultural sector. They lack training, access to
credit, and supportive networks that can help them grow their businesses and improve their
livelihoods. That’s where Rural Women in Modern Agriculture come in.
Rural Women in Modern Agriculture, or RWIMA, is a community-based organization that is
dedicated to empowering women in agriculture and building more sustainable and equitable
communities. Founded in 2012, RWIMA has already made a significant impact on the lives
of rural women in Kenya.
Through its programs, RWIMA provides training, resources, and support to women-led
businesses, helping them to adopt sustainable farming practices and improve their
productivity and profitability. RWIMA also works to connect women with buyers, markets, and
other opportunities to grow their businesses.
In addition to supporting women in agriculture, RWIMA also focuses on improving access to
education, healthcare, and other basic needs for children in rural communities. The
organization works closely with schools and healthcare providers to ensure that children
have the resources they need to succeed.
The impact of RWIMA’s programs can be seen in the success stories of the women it
supports. Women like Rose, who used to struggle to make ends meet with her small farm.
With the help of RWIMA, Rose was able to improve her yields, access new markets, and
start a successful business selling fruits and vegetables.
Another success story is Grace, a mother of three who used to rely on her husband’s income
to support her family. With RWIMA’s support, Grace was able to start her own business
selling milk and dairy products, which has since grown into a thriving enterprise that supports
her family and employs several other women in her community.
RWIMA’s impact is not limited to the women it supports but also extends to their families and
communities. By empowering women in agriculture and improving access to education and healthcare, RWIMA is building stronger, more sustainable communities that are better equipped to face the challenges of the future.
Rural Women in Modern Agriculture (RWIMA) stands out among other community-based
organizations for its unique guiding principles and values. RWIMA’s core principle is “caring
in sharing and giving,” which guides all of its activities and programs. This principle
emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge, resources, and support to help others
grow and thrive.
RWIMA also upholds values that promote dignity, respect, and empowerment for all
individuals. The organization seeks to bring out the best in each person it supports, without
imposing its own agenda of change. RWIMA develops role models who lead by example,
engaging the community and its stakeholders in a consultative and collaborative process.
What sets RWIMA apart is its focus on supporting families and promoting inclusivity. The
organization recognizes that the success of women in agriculture is linked to the success of
their families and communities as a whole. As a result, RWIMA engages with community
leaders, stakeholders, and families to ensure that its programs are inclusive and responsive
to local needs.
RWIMA’s approach to community development is consultative, collaborative, and inclusive.
The organization works closely with community members and stakeholders to identify their
needs, priorities, and goals, and to develop programs that address these needs in a
sustainable and effective way.
By promoting caring, sharing, and giving, and upholding values of dignity, empowerment, and
inclusivity, RWIMA is making a significant impact in the lives of women and families in rural
Kenya. To support RWIMA’s work, you can make a donation to their GoFundMe campaign at
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rwima. To learn more about RWIMA and its programs, visit
their website at https://rwima.org/. Together, we can empower women and build more
sustainable, equitable communities.
