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DIG
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DIG Kenya

The Landscape

Changing climates and an increase in crop pests and disease such as the fall armyworm and locusts have left even the most established Kenyan farmers incredibly vulnerable.

In rural Western Kenya, where DIG works, dense populations leave little land to farm, and families often rely on chemical interventions to bring their harvests to bear.

Because of the dense rural population, much of this region has experienced harmful deforestation, which has contributed to the degradation of soils and increased unsustainable crop production such as sugarcane and tea. This kind of farming not only threatens the ecological systems in the region but leaves already vulnerable farmers even more vulnerable long term.

DIG is working to restore the growing conditions and reconnect farmers with a diverse range of nutritious, culturally-relevant crops that can both feed their families while also adding to their income.

 

DIG’s Commitment

DIG began working in Kenya in 2009 through early partnerships with a Mothers2Mothers clinic and the Raila Secondary School in Nairobi’s Kibera slum. In 2012, we expanded our reach to western Kenya—where HIV rates (17%) are six times higher than the national average, and infant and under-five mortality rates remain disproportionately high. In this region, gender discrimination is widespread, and most families rely on small-scale agriculture without the resources or knowledge to grow nutrient-dense crops. These communities are among the most vulnerable to food insecurity and the effects of climate change.

Recognizing both the depth of need and the potential for impact, DIG invested deeply in the region. Over the years, our programs have helped strengthen local food systems and improve health outcomes through sustainable, inclusive agricultural training.

In 2023, DIG began the process of transitioning to a fully independent, locally registered non-profit in Kenya—and in 2025, that registration became official. This shift to localization reflects our belief that lasting change happens when leadership is local, solutions are context-driven, and communities are empowered to define their own futures.

Program Highlights


TCP Global’s Farmer MicroCredit Program 

DIG Farmer Field Schools 

Priority Households & Mentor Mothers 

Perspective

“Thanks to DIG’s seed support program and my farmer field school training, my home garden is flourishing. My family has enough nutritious food to eat, and I have been able to pay school fees for my three children in secondary school. I was able to fully raise that money from the sale of my green peppers. I am so grateful, because this would not have been possible without DIG’s support and the training I received.”  ~ Pamela Ochuodho, DIG farmer

DIG's Kenya Team


Olivia

DIG Kenya Executive Director & Director of Global Missions

Olivia started with DIG in 2013 with a vision for adapting and expanding our programs in Western Kenya. Her expertise is in sustainable agriculture, environmental management, community based agribusiness, gender equity, and monitoring and evaluation. Olivia has brought immeasurable benefits to both the organization and our farmers in the region. She has a Bachelor of science in agriculture and a Masters in project planning and management. She is married and the mother of 2 exceptional boys who are proud to see their mother leading other women towards improved health and empowerment through nutrition sensitive agriculture.

Dickens

Project Officer

Dickens joined DIG as Project Officer in 2022. He is a graduate from Egerton University with Bachelor of Science in agriculture and human ecology extension. His ability to lead community outreach programs, excellent leadership skills and advanced experience in agriculture makes him a great fit for leading DIG's Programs in Homa Bay. He is excited to bring in his knowledge and skills in agriculture extension, community development, project management and horticultural production to grow DIG's programs.

Sarah

Lead Facilitator

Sarah graduated from DIG’s program in Lwala in 2012. She became a DIG facilitator in 2013 and has since gained additional training in permaculture and ecological land use. In her current role as Lead Facilitator for our Farmer Field School program, Sarah combines her technical skills in agriculture with humor and energy to motivate every farmer to reach their full potential. She excels at building strong, trusting relationships with her farmers that last long after they graduate DIG programs.

Vincent

Lead Facilitator

In 2012, after graduating from DIG’s Farmer Field School program in Lwala, Vincent became a facilitator. He has since become a Lead Facilitator, mentoring others and spearheading our market and value addition programs. Vincent brings passion and energy to all aspects of his work and seen great success supporting young mothers to build nutritious and profitable gardens. As father to a young daughter, Vincent has become a champion of women’s empowerment both personally and professionally.

Millicent

Farmer Business Facilitator

Meet Millicent Onyango, a dedicated support facilitator for graduated farmers in Homa Bay. She graduated from DIG's Farmer Field School in 2018, where she gained a deep understanding of sustainable agriculture practices. Since then, Millicent has been committed to providing ongoing support to fellow program graduates. Her role involves guiding these farmers as they implement the techniques and knowledge acquired during their training. Millicent's support is vital in helping them overcome challenges and achieve long-term success in their agricultural endeavors

Monica

Lead Mentor Mother

Monica graduated from DIG’s Farmer Field School in 2017. She and her group facilitator, Sarah Obonyo, developed a special bond as Monica would reliably assist Sarah with additional field work and distributing DIG’s seed input support program to her group. Monica was brought on as a Mentor Mother and works closely with households whose children have been diagnosed by the hospital as malnourished. Since 2018, Monica has mentored over 100 households in the Homa Bay region. In addition to providing education on nutrition and home gardening, Monica goes the extra mile to provide mental and emotional support to each and every mother.

George

Mentor Father

George graduated from DIG’s Farmer Field School in Rangwe in 2018 and joined the team in February 2024. As a Mentor Father in DIG's Priority Household Program, George is dedicated to involving men in the critical conversation around children's nutrition. He focuses on educating fathers and male caregivers about their essential role in promoting their children’s health and well-being. By breaking down traditional barriers and encouraging active participation, George creates a supportive environment where families can collectively prioritize and adopt healthy eating habits.

Elector

Project Officer Priority Household Program

Elector is an experienced nutritionist dedicated to supporting DIG’s Priority Household Program. With a deep understanding of nutrition and community health, she works closely with families to promote sustainable solutions for improving dietary diversity and overall well-being. Elector’s expertise helps caregivers make informed choices that enhance child nutrition and household resilience, fostering healthier communities through education and empowerment.

Hilda

Mentor Mother

Hilda Agayi is a Mentor Mother in DIG's Priority Household program. A graduate of DIG’s Farmer Field School, she is deeply passionate about improving nutrition and food security in her community. Hilda is committed to empowering families with the knowledge and skills to grow nourishing gardens, ensuring that every household has access to fresh, healthy food.

Janet

Community Based Facilitator

Janet is a dedicated Community-Based Facilitator in Nyakach Sub-County. She joined Development in Gardening (DIG) in June 2023 after graduating from DIG’s Farmer Field School, and she has quickly become a role model in her community. Janet actively applies the sustainable agriculture techniques she learned to grow a variety of vegetables for both home consumption and sale. As a facilitator, she provides guidance, shares her expertise, and fosters a strong community of practice around regenerative farming. Her leadership and hands-on support empower other farmers to adopt and benefit from the techniques she has mastered, strengthening local food security and resilience.

Stories from the Field: Kenya


Kenya

A DIG Graduate Transforms His Land and His Future

August 26, 2024

"This network of farmers isn’t just about sharing techniques—it’s about building each other up.”

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Climate Resilience

Soil Health

July 10, 2024

From Perception to Precision: How Farmer’s Insights and Soil Science Can Shape the Future of Regenerative Agriculture.  How do farmers’ perceptions of the health of their soil compare to laboratory results? How can comparing perceptions and laboratory tests influence the use of regenerative agriculture practices by smallholder farmers? These are some of the questions Postdoctoral Associate Jordan Blekking from the Department of Global Development at Cornell University, and, a recent recipient of a Polson Institute for Global Development grant, wanted

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Field Trips

A Reflection on DIG’s 2023 Kenya Field Trip

June 27, 2023

This May, DIG welcomed 10 guests to Kenya for our first Field Trip since 2019. DIG's Kenya team embraced us with open arms and took time to teach us some of what they do. Read about the experience from one of our trip participants, Dana Clarkson.

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Food Security

DIG’s Priority Household Program

October 26, 2022

DIG's most intensive program targets families with children under age five who have been diagnosed as malnourished.

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Food Security

DIG’s Farmer Field School

October 26, 2022

DIG's foundational program prioritizes uniquely marginalized people. They learn to grow nutrient-rich gardens using regenerative agriculture as a way of improving theirs and their family's nutrition, food security, and income.

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Climate Resilience

The Seed Savers of Kenya

November 1, 2021

The work of local seed savers is critical not only for their own household benefit but also for the benefit of their broader communities and the long-term survival of their local plants. These women, all DIG graduates, have become known as expert seed-savers are are a critical link in ensuring their food systems remain resilient and biodiverse.

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Financial Resilience

Eunice Anyango Otieno

May 5, 2021

Eunice Anyango is a 37 year old mother of six. She credits her success to the knowledge she received from DIG. Her garden income has enabled Eunice to better feed her family and invest in poles and iron sheets to improve her house.

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Kenya

When a Garden is Lifesaving

May 5, 2021

At 31 months old, Hannington was diagnosed with severe malnutrition. Learn how DIG worked with Diana, Hannington's mother, and the local hospital to help Hannington recover.

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Program Partners


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Help Us Plant The Seed

Help Us Plant The Seed

Your support will grow our capacity to equip uniquely marginalized families with the skills and experience to meet their own needs and improve their well-being through climate smart, nutrient-dense gardening. Help us plant the seeds. Consider a contribution today.

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WHAT WE DO

  • The DIG Model
  • Core Programs
  • Senegal
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  • DIG Kenya
  • Our History of Growth

Take Action

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