Turning Grass into Gold:  The Remarkable Journey of Grace Meitiaki from Herder to Innovator in Pasture Production

Grace Meitiaki, at 46 years of age, has walked the challenging path of a herder for many years, practicing the traditional ways of livestock keeping. This journey was marred by losses, with her livestock bearing the brunt of her outdated methods. But like a resilient sprout emerging through cracked earth, Grace’s story took a heartwarming twist.

In 2021, Grace’s fortunes began to change as she seized the opportunity to participate in the Ufugaji Bora Mashinani program supported by the USAID Local Works program, targeting 300 herders. Through this initiative, she embarked on a transformative four-module training course on better animal husbandry. The year 2023 marked a significant turning point when Grace, alongside 30 other Livestock Market Agents (LMAs), embarked on an enlightening exposure tour at the Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO). This tour, a pivotal moment in her journey, expanded her horizons, propelling her newly acquired skills to greater heights, particularly in pasture production and management.

Grace, among other Livestock Marketing Agents (LMAs), during an exposure tour visit at KALRO Beef Research Centre, Nakuru.

Grace reflects on the eye-opening experience, stating, “The learning tour provided us with a platform to interact with experts, ask questions, and witness the practical application of the concepts we were trained on.”

With newfound knowledge and determination, Grace began a remarkable journey. She decided to invest in pasture production on her secluded piece of land, turning what was once overlooked grass into her most valuable asset. In doing so, she proved that knowledge could shatter stereotypes and barriers.

Her motivation was clear. Grace explained, “I was very keen on pasture production and management because I have been losing hundreds of livestock due to drought.” The transformation was palpable as she began producing her balanced animal blocks, enriching them with vital nutrients through animal salt, animal feeds, and molasses, all preserved under low heat.

But the story doesn’t conclude there. Grace’s training extended to module three, where she learned about conservation. Here, she discovered the potential of collecting acacia pods and preserving them, providing a lifeline to her livestock during the unforgiving drought seasons. Encouraged by the success of her initial trials, she’s preparing another piece of land to expand her pasture production. Grace also extends her heartfelt appreciation to her husband, Richard Metiaki, for his unwavering support.

In her own words, Grace emphasizes the profound impact of knowledge, stating, “Knowledge is power. I am a better herder, all thanks to Ufugaji Bora Mashinani. I am training other group members on this new venture so they can safeguard their livestock in the future.” Her joyful testimony speaks volumes about the ripple effect of education and training, creating a virtuous cycle that uplifts individuals and the entire livestock value chain.

Grace Meitiaki’s journey is a testament to the remarkable transformations that can occur when education, dedication, and support converge. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can overcome challenges and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Sketching Idea into Livelihood – Batuli’s Journey to Self-reliance

Faza Village on Pate Island, nestled within the breathtaking Lamu archipelago, we meet Batuli Bwanakombo, a 23-year-old in her mini boutique sorting out a new stock of clothes, choosing which ones are best and most attractive for display with the help of her husband.

Batuli’s story is one of resilience, borne from her mother’s valiant struggle to provide for their family’s needs while balancing the weight of her school tuition. Despite completing her primary education, Batuli’s academic performance fell below expectations, dashing her dreams of pursuing higher learning. Hope seemed lost as Batuli found herself confined to the walls of her home, assisting her mother with household chores. However, destiny had other plans. A suitor arrived at their doorstep, seeking Batuli’s hand in marriage, and she accepted. Yet, the union failed to alter her circumstances; instead, it blessed her with motherhood but no means of income.

Batuli’s desire to improve her financial situation led her to seek business training from NRT Trading Biashara Mashinani on business idea generation and life skills. Through this training, Batuli acquired the knowledge and insights to navigate the intricacies of running a successful business. Determined to change their fortune, Batuli engaged her husband in an earnest discussion, sketching ideas to generate income. A gleam of inspiration emerged as they envisioned a retail clothing business, and they embraced this idea wholeheartedly. With newfound confidence and a solid foundation in business practices, they acquired a humble abode and adorned it with a dazzling collection of stylish, brand-new garments suitable for all genders.

In 2021, Batuli was among the beneficiaries from Pate to receive a loan of 25,000 shillings from the Northern Rangelands Sacco (NR Sacco) through its Biashara Mashinani program. Through hard work and diligence, she promptly repaid the loan and was awarded an additional 50,000 shillings, which she invested in expanding her business and diversifying her stock. Batuli’s boutique became a beacon of fashion for men seeking trousers, shirts, and shoes, particularly during festive occasions, where she could earn a remarkable 5,000 shillings daily. She consistently garners a respectable income of approximately 1,200 shillings on regular days.

The transformative power of Biashara Mashinani’s business training breathed new life into Batuli’s entrepreneurial journey, profoundly influencing her boutique’s success. Grateful for the knowledge gained, she humbly acknowledges her growth and evolution, “I have gained valuable knowledge from NRT Trading on how to make my business thrive. I have been putting aside funds for unforeseen circumstances and expansion, being more courteous to my customers, and organizing my collections more effectively. Additionally, I have made a conscious effort to maintain a high level of cleanliness in my store, which has become an additional boon, enhancing my reputation and attracting more customers,” Batuli explains.

She is thankful to NRT Trading for the financial support and invaluable skills training propelling her business to new heights. Buoyed by this encouragement, she eagerly envisions the future, setting her sights on establishing a wholesale shop serving people locally and beyond.

With the conservation efforts of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the coastal region of Kenya like Lamu, a balance has been fostered between environmental conservation and sustainable economic development by creating opportunities for individuals like Batuli to pursue their dreams, contribute to the local economy, and inspire others to believe in their potential.

Batuli is a testament to the indomitable spirit of an aspiring entrepreneur who, against all odds, triumphed over adversity and carved her path to success. Her story echoes through the island, inspiring others to believe in their dreams and seize opportunities in wait.

NRT Trading Biashara Mashinani is Changing Lives in Northern Kenya: Meet Charles Kibet!

Meet Charles Kibet Loyatoman, a young entrepreneur from Masol Conservancy in West Pokot County. After finishing his primary and secondary education, he faced financial difficulties that prevented him from pursuing a university education. This was a devastating setback as he dreamed of becoming a successful entrepreneur. However, he excelled in his high school business studies and remained optimistic that he could succeed.

In 2020, Charles moved to his current hometown, Orwa, where he developed a business idea. With a small amount of capital accumulated from casual employment, he opened a small barber shop offering phone charging services. This venture was his primary source of income for a year until he was introduced to the Biashara Mashinani program for entrepreneurship training.

“I was excited when I learned about the NRT Trading business training, which was forthcoming through our conservancy management. It was a stroke of luck because I needed guidance since I had just ventured into business,” Charles said.

Charles attended the three-day module 1 business training with great enthusiasm. He was also fortunate to be among the entrepreneurs who received a loan worth KES 25,000 from the  Rangelands SACCO. In early 2021, he invested the money into establishing an agro-vet shop because he noticed a void that required filling. 

“I saw a lack of agro-vet shops in my community. I consulted experts on the dosage and the right drug for precise specifications and opened a shop. Now, I can attest that my customers have given me positive feedback on how my shop is helping their livestock be free from worms, reduce disease rate, and have good feeding contrary to when this business was not there,” Charles happily exclaimed.

Biashara Mashinani has also taught Charles the importance of diversifying his income. In addition to his agro-vet shop, Charles also sells all-gender clothes, which he claims are in high demand, especially during the rainy season. This was after his agro-vet business recorded slow growth and income because of the low demand rate during the prolonged drought in northern Kenya.

In 2022, Charles again appreciated the Rangelands SACCO as he used his savings of 35,000 shillings to set up a retail shop in Orwa town due to the high demand for essential household commodities. He added 50,000 shillings to establish phase two of a much more extensive and well-stocked retail shop

Recently, 27-year-old Charles was among the 40-star entrepreneurs trained further in business skills through the Biashara Mashinani program. He attributes his success to his desire for knowledge and consistency in training attendance.

 “It is through NRT Trading that I learned good financial habits like saving; now I have a savings account that has helped me during emergencies and to expand my businesses. Running these businesses simultaneously has been easy since I can keep records and monitor the progress,” he adds.

His businesses have him smiling to the bank, generating a monthly income of over 60,000 shillings, bringing him joy and satisfaction.

Charles has created employment for one youth in his businesses and hopes to create more opportunities and inspire other youths in his community to start their businesses.

Words of Emily Chebet – Ujuzi Manyattani Beneficiary

Emily at her salon attending to a client

I can proudly say that my life began when I joined Ujuzi Manyattani vocational training program. Being a third born out of eight children, I knew for sure that my education stopped at form four as my parents were poor and could not afford my college fees. My elder siblings had also not studied further than that.

My father is a casual laborer, while my mother sells charcoal at my village in Nakoprat conservancy after I completed my form four education, I started assisting my mother in the charcoal business. Sometimes I will be lucky enough to get odd jobs like washing people’s clothes for a small amount of money to supplement our income.

At 26 years old, life was difficult for me, with no hope of a better tomorrow. I was always so stressed. I would wonder if things will ever be better for my family. That’s when I heard about the Ujuzi Manyattani program from other community members. People were talking about this free mobile, village-based vocational training; that was recruiting women and young morans in conservancies to train them on how to diversify indigenous livelihoods and entrepreneurship skills.

I did not waste time and decided to register for the program in June 2021. There were many different courses to pick from like, mechanics, mobile phone repairs, tailoring, and carpentry. I chose hairdressing & salon. People in my community had to travel to distant urban centers/towns and pay costly transport to receive salon services. This course was going to help me open a nearby salon, make life easier for them, and at the same time help me earn a sustainable income.

After three months training, I was able to gain entrepreneurship skills which helped me start up my salon and barbershop at Archer’s Post, Samburu County. At ‘Classic Salon’ I am able to offer great services. This has helped me bring in new customers and retain others. I am able to earn great income daily and grow my business. I also learned the importance of supporting other people in the community, which is why I currently have two employees who assist me in the day-to-day running of the business. In the future, I hope to grow my business even more to a point where I can train others and impact them the way Ujuzi Manyattani has done to my life.

My advice to other youths is to be willing to join training programs like ujuzi manyattani because they are for a short time, but the knowledge, skills, and benefits you gain will last you for a lifetime.

I am also very grateful to USAID and other partners for supporting this program. Their support has changed my life from someone who could only depend on my parents to someone who can now support them and my siblings. From being uneducated to educated, unemployed to employed, not to forget I am now a great entrepreneur in my community; thank you.