The organization has venture into commercial improved kienyeji chicken rearing and egg production. Through capacity building from ASDSP the organization has been able to achieve their target of 500 eggs /year (182,500 eggs /year) and 12,000 day old chicks/year which translates to a turnover of Kshs. 2M per year. Through this revenue, Cheboyo CBO has managed to purchase about 1.5 acres which they used to build an office and a poultry house with a chicken run. The poultry house within the purchase land is used to reared communal chicken by members, but all members have individuals chicken at their homestead. Marketing of chicken and eggs is done within the office premise, and the income is remitted back to the members. This venture has brought about a numbers of opportunities to the community; • Creation of employment to some members who are engaged in poultry activities in the enterprise (feeding of chicken, eggs collection, cleanliness of the premise etc) • Availability of the breeding stock to the community • Ease marketing of eggs and chicks to members and the community • Income generation and food and nutrition security to members and community. Through the ASDSP 11 capacity building concept, the organization has been trained on several aspects of poultry husbandry management practices (diseases control, feeding, housing, egg handling practices, hatching, brooding, business plan, marketing etc). This was done through the facilitation of service providers both private (Kuku chic) and public (department of livestock) by the ASDSP. Despite those achievements, Cheboyo Community Based Organization has put up some plans to upscale their enterprise such as; • Carry out on farm feed formulation, using locally available raw materials grown on their farms. This will reduce the cost of feeds. • Procure of an incubator with a capacity to hatch 1056 eggs and a stand by generator to increase the supply of breeding stock; this will be installed in within the purchased land where the poultry house is build since power supply is already connected. • Improve on linkages, networking and partnership to support their activities. Though the organization is progressing well, there are a few challenges which need to be address such as; inadequate skills on chicks management among members leading to high mortality rate, Low skill on on-farm feed formulation, diseases outbreaks etc

Adding a desmodium inter-crop into the farming system provides nutritious feeds for the dairy animals, reducing the need to find grazing, improving animal health and increasing productivity.It is particularly useful for zero-grazed dairy cows, allowing farmers to cut and carry protein-rich fodder from their own land.Beneficiary VCAs are able to reduce the cost of feeds by Ksh 150 per cow per day using the mix and increase the milk production by upto 4 litres per cow per day.Desmodium improves crop yields by improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Its long, trailing vines also conserve soil moisture, prevent erosion by wind and rain, and contribute organic matter to the soil.

The organization has venture into commercial brooding of chicks from Uzima Ltd (Sasso breeds). Through capacity building from ASDSP the organization has been able to gain skills and knowledge on chicks rearing. Growth of the group 1st flock On 2023 May 03 through the ASDSP innovation concept, the group received 600-day old chicks (Sasso) from Uzima Ltd as the first flock from ASDSP II. The group brood the chicks up to 1 month sold at 300 chicks at Kshs. 300 @ translating to Kshs. 90,000. No mortality was recorded. 2nd flock After selling they bought 300 chicks each at a cost of Kshs. 105 as the second flock at a total cost of Kshs.31,500 with 3 bags 50kg Unga feed (chick starter mash) at Kshs. 12,300 totaling to Kshs. 43,800. After selling the chicks at 1 month, they realized a profit of Kshs. 14,200. 3rd flock In the 3rd flock they bought 400 chicks and successfully managed to sell 373 chicks and received Kshs.106,000. From that sum, they use Kshs. 27,000 (profit) to build a poultry house that accommodate up to 1,000 chicks. The profit realized in the 3rd flock was Kshs. 25,000 which they shared among 5 members each receiving Kshs.5000. The group resolved that for every sale of chicks 5 members will be receiving Kshs. 5,000 which will be used to purchase a she goat. 4th flock They bought 400 chicks in the 4th order, which are now 2 weeks old chicks awaiting to complete the vaccination before disposal at 1 month old. The group has really appreciated the ASDSP for supporting them with the first flock which serves as a starter capital. The group have realized that good quality chicks mature faster with low mortality rate. Marketing of chicks at one month is quite profitable. Marketing is also a core in this venture, which need to be look at immediately after receiving the stock. 5th flock They bought 1,000 chicks and already all have been booked by customers within and outside county.

Before ASDP II intervention, the average monthly expenditure on LPG was estimated KE. 4,200. The high cost of fuel and shortage of firewood in the locality for domestic use has led to increased demand for biogas energy as an alternative sustainable energy resources. This innovation has enabled member households to save a total of Ksh 25,200 monthly.This savings are utilised in purchase of animal feeds and expansion of dairy farming business.Three members of the group are selling bio slurry at Ksh 20 per 20 litre container to a neighbours in exchange of fodder for their dairy cows.The members are have also utilised the bioslurry to produce local vegetables which have higher demand in the neighbouring Silibewet.

Marinda Dairy Cooperative Society members just like any other dairy farmers have been facin g the challenge of feed availablity and high cost of feeds.During dry season the members faced limited availability of feeds. The cooperative is now implementing the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) as an innovation to address shortage of feeds.From a membership of 900,twenty-two percent(200) have embraced the TMR innovation.The VCO has sold 700kgs of TMR at 45/- generating an income of ksh 31,500 as an alternative revenue stream to the cooperative. Members who fed their animals on the TMR have been able to realize increased milk yields from 5litres to 9.1 litres per day.Milk volumes aggregated by the cooperative increased from an average of 4,439.5kg to 6236.1 kgs per month during peak period and 894.7 kgs per month to 1595.84 kgs per month during off-peak period.Volumes bulked in April 2023 before feeding on TMR was 47,588kgs ,but in June 2023 it increased to 59,412kgs upon introduction of TMR.From the above observations the innovation has shown to have potential for commercial viability as the VCO members are the first market for the innovation product plus additional surrounding farming community.From the sales, the VCO can be able to plough back the proceeds to buy more ingredients and continue making more TMR for their clientele becoming another revenue stream for the VCO thus tackling the issue of sustainability.Currently the VCO has employed 4youths (3M,1F) involved in feed mixing and clerical works.The feeds are sold to members who pay through deductions from their milk payments.The innovation will lead to transformation of the VCAs by affording them more dividends from sale of feeds in addition to milk sales hence more income . By embracing the TMR the animals reduce wastage of feeds thus efficiency in utilization.The quality of feeds affects utilization of the same,the poor the quality the higher the percentage of Methane released to the atmosphere.From the membership 57% are female and have adopted the use of TMR and the machines involved can also be comfortably operated by both gender.Community contribution by the Cooperative stands at Ksh 145,000 being rent,power bills,security ,labour. The VCO has also been able to continue restocking and making TMR feeds after the initial stock provided by ADSP ran out.Being already dairy farmers faced with challenge of feeds the innovation was readily accepted and the innovativeness is in the ability to provide all the nutritional requirements through just one serving to the animals.

Biogas is being produced through the processing of dairy cow organic waste. It is a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel made from 100% dairy cattle organic waste. The domestic bio-digesters of 12m3 Volume constructed produces 4.2m3 of biogas per day equivalent to 2kg of LPG Gas therefore, 60Kgs of LPG/Month worth KShs.13500 for the household which is a saving

Success story on milk trade at Mang’u Progressive dairy Cooperative Society in Mang’u Ward Gatundu North Sub-County milk aggregation/ cooling/Chilling/ pasteurization enterprise for increased shelf life and profitability

At Uswo FCS in karuna meibeki ward in Moiben subcounty, with 232(162M,50F,12MY,8FY) members VCAs now get exact weight of their milk, from the digital weighing scale provided. For 0.1kg @45/= *30days earns 135/= /litre. For the VCAs. Post production losses reduced to 20% from 40%.Milk supply increased from 800ltrs to 1500ltrs/day because of increased catchment area. Hence AI service provider employed by the FCS after acquiring the Equipment

The journey of Cheptororiet Cooperative Society has been marked by significant milestones and accomplishments: 1. Land Acquisition: The society wisely invested in purchasing 0.25 acres of land, securing a foundation for their future endeavors. 2. Cooler Housing Unit: Recognizing the importance of preserving the quality of their milk, they built a cooler housing unit. 3.Cooler Acquisition through KCC: Through effective collaboration and resourcefulness, they acquired a cooler from the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), enhancing their milk storage capabilities. 4. Pickup Truck: To streamline their operations, the society acquired a pickup truck, optimizing the transportation of their dairy products. 5. Employment Generation: In contributing to local employment, they employed two permanent workers and four casual laborers, further bolstering their community impact. 6. Training and Education: The society prioritized knowledge-sharing, training their farmers through ASDSP and the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperative Management in Kericho County. CO Livestock and cooperative management Dr.Bett addressing the participants during the Intra-county tour at cheptororiet cooperative society. Intra-County Tours Today, Cheptororiet Cooperative Society hosted an intra-county tour that attracted more than 50 dairy farmers across the county. This event was graced by County Officials, including Chief Officer Dr. Michael Bett, Director of Livestock Mr. Cheruiyot, ASDSP Coordinator Mr. Too, as well as livestock staff from the six sub-counties. The event also saw participation from officials and members of various societies across the county, all eager to learn from Cheptororiet’s success story. Joseph’s farm, after ASDSP facilitation to Nakuru ASK show he immediately started Kitchen garden producing blacknight shade”SOIK” organically from dairy manure. Objective The tour offered invaluable insights into dairy management, with visits to John’s Farm and Mr. Misik Farms, both of which supply milk to Cheptororiet Farmers Cooperative Society. Remarkably, the society currently boasts a daily milk bulking capacity of 3500 liters from 12 liters at the start in 2021. Participants commended the society for its exemplary management practices and extended their gratitude to ASDSP for facilitating this enlightening intra-county tour. Several key takeaways emerged from the event from Co Dr. Bett: Artificial Insemination: Emphasis was placed on the importance of artificial insemination, a practice that can significantly boost milk production. Rabies Vaccination: Participants were encouraged to prioritize vaccination against rabies to safeguard their livestock. National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP): Ongoing registration of farmers through NAVCDP was highlighted as an opportunity for further growth and integration into broader agricultural initiatives. Director of Livestock Mr. Cheruiyot encouraged participants to leverage extension staff for increased productivity, underscoring the importance of professional guidance. Meanwhile, ASDSP Coordinator Mr. Too stressed the significance of county-wide training efforts and mobilization to expand the pool of milk suppliers. Cheptororiet Cooperative Society’s success story stands as a testament to the potential that can be unlocked through dedication, education, and collaboration in the agricultural sector. With a firm foundation and a commitment to continuous improvement, the society is poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.

Blessed Milk Youth Group started in 2018 with 10 members (W6 and M4) who were buying 40 liters of milk per day for sale. From ASDSP baseline survey report of 2017, a gap of aggregation and value addition of fresh milk was identified and so during the training of the blessed youth group by ASDSP II, the business opportunity of milk aggregation and value addition was conceived. In 2019 the group was linked to National Bank for some credit by ASDSP II. The group acquired a loan of ksh.1.3 million which they used to purchase 1000 liters capacity pasteurizer. The group could collect more milk from farmers and the supply was overwhelming and so to cub the post-harvest losses they acquired another ksh.2.2 million credit from National Bank to buy 2000 liters cooling tank. They initially aggregated 960 liters per month translating to ksh.86, 400 per month but in the year 2022 the supply rose to 15,600 liters per month worth ksh.1, 404,000 against the potential of 48,000 liters per month. The group currently has 11 outlets shops within Migori town for sale of fresh milk employing around 20 youths paid by commission. To mitigate on the high transportation costs of milk, ASDSP II in 2023 procured a tricycle for the group which they can now transport milk from farmers to the aggregation and also to the outlet shops. .Challenges • The group intends to do milk value addition but still do not have capacity to acquire adequate equipment and machinery for the work. • The group still operates in a rented premise which lack adequate space for expansion. • The group lacks KEBS certification which limits them to do and sell processed products. Impact The knowledge and skills gained by value chain actors through the trainings carried out by ASDSP II has ensured production of high quality milk and feeds translating to higher incomes to VCAs for improved livelihood. By establishing the aggregation facility, more than 20 youths have been employed directly which has greatly transformed their livelihood. The aggregation has greatly offered market opportunity to the farmers who sell their milk in the facility and paid on delivery, again this has reduced milk wastages for VCAs hence increased income for improved livelihood.

He is a male youth from Ruruma ward, Rabai Sub County. He was trained on entrepreneurship and Cassava GAP (including rapid cassava seed multiplication through minisett technology). In April 2022, he took the initiative, procured cassava cuttings and established two acres of seed crop. The seed farm was certified by KEPHIS. In April 2023 he sold the mature seed to the local farmers within the surrounding farmers and the County government of Kilifi. He got a total of KES 160,000/= From the cassava seed proceeds, he managed to buy food for his household, pay school fees for his grade two child, start sweet potatoes and maize farming. He also bought a calf and started a chicken enterprise. In addition, he has done mentorship to 3 (three) fellow youth and his mother, who are now growing cassava. He has so far expanded his cassava seed acreage to 4 acres.

Cassava as one of the priority value chains in Kilifi as doing well despite the harsh condition characterized by persistence drought. This has led to many farmers across the county having less or none cassava seedlings. The implication for the same was low production of the cassava as there was little cassava seeds.It is for this reason ASDSP II championed the use of Mnisett technology as a way of generating more seeds.One Shukurani Fondo, a Youth after undergoing a sensitization training on Miniset technology at Mtwapa ATC decided to run with the technology. He has four acres of cassava. He has managed to sell seeds to both the local residents and to the County government of kilifi a worth total of 160,000 KES. The cash from this enterprise has enabled him to pay school fees for her child, cater for food,expand his farm and also bought a calf. Furthermore,Shukurani Fondo has managed to mentor (3) three friends who are now into cassava farming.

The VCO started in 2017 and registered in the same year as a women group. They raised their capital through merry go round to run the honey business. They also loan the members at an interest rate of 10%. They used to buy 135 kilograms and sell immediately at the market. Progressively with ASDSP supported trainings and linkages to Action Against Hunger, CABESI and KVDA, they reached 3 metric tons. The group continued with the business but was experiencing post-harvest losses due to poor handling of honey. They also did not know utilization of some hive products like the bees wax and propolis. ASDSP trained the group on post-harvest handling of honey and utilization of other hive products. ASDSP also linked the group to another partner - Action Against Hunger (ACF) for hardware support. ACF supported the group with honey processing equipment including the centrifugal honey extractor, honey press, food grade packaging, honey labels and digital weighing scales. They also upgraded the honey store for the group and provided business starting capital of 800,000 shillings. The operation involves aggregating comb honey from both members and non-members and extraction of the honey from the combs using the honey press or the centrifugal honey extractor. The honey is further filtered and packaged into various sizes (0.5 kg, 1 kg and 4 kg). The empty combs are later melted to produce the bees’ wax which is also sold to buyers The operations are easily conducted by the women and youths because the tools and equipment used are not complicated and do not require high level skills Culturally, the society does not bar the women and youth from handling or processing honey There still remains a huge potential for upscaling the operations Initially the group was running a stock of 135 kilograms. After the intervention, the group currently works with 3 tons of processed honey annually and 550 kilograms of bee wax. This fetches a profit of about 722,500 shillings annually. The group has created employment for 5 people during the peak period who are paid a total of 5550 shillings per season. It takes about 10 days to extract and clean the honey and wax. The group got more clients/customers after attending the exposure tours supported by ASDSP

West Pokot County had small farmer groups engaging in production of Galla goats. Some of the Galla goat producers were doing it at individual level where they were producing and selling the goats without associating with any organised farmer group. At the time, there were only six groups and 3 individual breeders. Agriculture Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP II) identified the Galla goat producing groups together with the individual farmers with the aim of building their capacity and strengthening the structures of the groups. The programme conducted capacity building of the groups on production of Galla goat breeding stocks, collective marketing, record keeping and business planning. Alongside the trainings, the groups were guided towards formation of one umbrella body hence the founding of the WPGGBA in the year 2017. On its part, the WPGGBA embarked on intensive recruitment of members resulting in increased membership from the initial 120 individuals to 3,840 individuals. The organization built an office at Nasukuta from where the operations are managed. Each individual pays entry fee of KES 1,000 while a group joins with 5,000 shillings. Membership is strictly for the Galla goat producers. The benefits of running this umbrella organization have already been manifested in the community; since July 2019, the WPGGBA has assisted the members to market 2,114 Galla goats valued at KES 13,741,000. Additionally, the organization has so far assisted members to get 2886 breeding stocks valued at KES 27,417,000. The membership is likely to expand as more VCAs adopt Galla goat production. The members also access the inputs for production through the organization.

This is an innovation that has been awarded to the New Kisumu Cotton Cooperative Union. The union comprises nine (9) cotton cooperatives with a membership of M 540, W 53 Y 7.Out of these,103M,52W,7Y were targeted to benefit from the 750 kg hybrid seeds. The innovation is scaling up efforts that had been made by the Kisumu union and AFFA cotton directorate through demonstration trials. The BT cotton was seen to help in minimizing the use of pesticides as BT cotton is less prone to pest attack compared to the conventional variety. Kisumu Cotton Union has a relatively assured contracted market from Salawa Ginnery that has ensured all cotton grown has an assured market. All cotton is marketed through the Kisumu cotton union. Through the union, a total of 600 cotton producers were given BT cotton seeds depending on the acreage put under cotton by the beneficiaries. The results of this innovation have been impressive, especially due to the fact that production has gone up from 350kgs to 700kgs per acre translating to a simple gross margin of 35,000 Ksh/acre. The yield lost due to pest damage and cotton-degraded lint has reduced to less than one (1%) from over 5% with conventional variety. With the increase of acreage in cotton as a result of gains so far, it is projected that the union has aggregated one hundred and twenty (120 ) tons of cotton this year up from( 30) tons last year currently being produced.This increase in production signifies an average increase from Ksh2,200 per household with conventiobnal variety to 42,802 earned per household of the beneficiaries with thehybrid cotton.The cotton union retains seed money from each farmer to help procure more hybrid cotton seeds for the subsquent planting seasons to ensure progress in acerage under hybrid cotton. At the moment the undertaking is providing Job opportunities to 57women and 7youth in terms of picking, sorting, and grading of seed cotton. The program has also procured mini ginnery to help with processing the increasing production of seed cotton to add value and increase the margin for producers.