Project summary

This pilot project aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of factory farming in Kenya, focusing on public health, environmental impact, and agricultural heritage. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, we will promote sustainable and ethical farming practices as alternatives to factory farming.

Minimum Funding ($5,000):
This amount will allow us to start essential workshops, launch a basic media campaign, and engage key stakeholders to initiate advocacy efforts.

Full Funding ($12,000):
With $12,000, we can expand the project’s reach, enhance media campaigns, conduct more workshops, and engage more effectively with policymakers for lasting change.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

Project Goals and How We Will Achieve Them:

1.      Raise Public Awareness:

1. Goal: Educate communities on the health, environmental, and ethical risks of factory farming.

2. How: Conduct workshops, media campaigns, and collaborate with local influencers.

3. Promote Sustainable Farming Practices:

   • Goal: Encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly and culturally relevant farming methods.

   • How: Partner with experts for training sessions, distribute educational materials, and organize field demonstrations.

4. Advocate for Policy Change:

   • Goal: Influence policy to limit factory farming and support sustainable agriculture.

   • How: Engage policymakers through discussions, build coalitions with civil society organizations, and use research to support advocacy.

5. Preserve Kenya’s Agricultural Heritage:

   • Goal: Protect and revive traditional plant-based farming practices.

   • How: Promote indigenous farming through storytelling, workshops, and support community-led initiatives.
     

How will this funding be used?

1. Educational Programs and Workshops:

   • Purpose: Equip local farmers and communities with knowledge on sustainable agriculture.

   • Funding: Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions.

2. Media and Advocacy Campaigns:

   • Purpose: Raise public awareness and mobilize support for policy changes.

   • Funding: Invest in social media, radio, and print campaigns.

3. Community Engagement and Outreach:

   • Purpose: Ensure community involvement and promote traditional farming practices.

   • Funding: Support outreach activities like community meetings and cultural events.

4. Policy Advocacy Efforts:

   • Purpose: Influence local and national policies to support sustainable agriculture.

   • Funding: Organize policy discussions and produce advocacy materials.

5. Project Administration and Management:

   • Purpose: Ensure effective project implementation and achievement of goals.

   • Funding: Cover administrative costs for project coordination and management.
     

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?Our volunteer team is comprised of dedicated professionals:

• Virginia Ruguru - Founder and Team Leader: Currently leading the Thrive Africa Vegan Women Initiative (AVWI), empowering women advocates in sustainable food systems across Africa.

• Gitura Mwaura - Communications Consultant: A seasoned journalist with a focus on community development and impact assessment.

• Phanuel Mathenge - Head of Logistics: Expert in coordinating supply chain activities for seamless project execution.

• Mary Njeri - Agriculture Specialist: Biotechnology graduate advancing sustainable agriculture practices.

• Grace Muchigi - Community Representative: Connects our initiatives with community needs to maximize impact.

• Gladys Mumbi - Youth Mobilizer: Engages and empowers youth in sustainable living and social justice.

Our Track Record

• Plant-Based Diet Education:
  Torch Initiatives introduced plant-based diets to 1,500 students, 50 teachers, and 10 kitchen staff in schools across Kajiado and Nairobi Counties. The program emphasized health, environmental benefits, and animal welfare, fostering sustainability and mindful food choices.

• Local Resource Mobilization:
  Our team lead has trained and mentored over 100 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in sustainable fundraising through workshops with the Kenya Community Development Foundation, boosting local development efforts.

• Women in Food Security:
  Empowered women in Kajiado and Nairobi Counties by providing seeds and training in indigenous vegetable cultivation, improving livelihoods and local food security.

• Sustainable Agriculture:
  Facilitated training on organic farming and eco-friendly pest control, leading to widespread adoption of sustainable practices within the communities we serve.

• Africa Vegan Restaurant Week:
  Participated in the campaign, promoting plant-based diets and sustainable eating through workshops that highlighted health benefits and community resilience.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

Most Likely Causes of Project Failure:

1. Insufficient Funding: Limits the ability to execute activities like workshops and outreach.

2. Low Community Engagement: Resistance or apathy from target communities hampers adoption of sustainable practices.

3. Policy Barriers: Unfavorable policies hinder project implementation.

4. Poor Awareness and Advocacy: Inadequate impact on public awareness and support for sustainable alternatives.

5. Operational Challenges: Logistical issues disrupt project execution.

Most Likely Outcomes if the Project Fails:

1. Continued Environmental Harm: Factory farming practices persist, causing environmental damage.

2. Ongoing Health Risks: Public health issues related to diet and factory farming remain unaddressed.

3. Cultural Erosion: Traditional farming practices and agricultural heritage may be lost.

4. Weakened Community Resilience: Communities remain vulnerable to food insecurity and economic instability.

5. Lack of Policy Change: Difficulty in advancing sustainable agricultural policies.
   

What other funding are you or your project getting?

We have received a grant from Thrive Philanthropy for the Africa Vegan Restaurant Week. However, to expand our sustainability campaign and address the growing need, we are seeking additional funding to ensure we can reach more communities and make a greater impact.