From Pastoralism to Farming: Leah Builds a New Livelihood
For many years, Leah, 46, and her husband relied on pastoralism to support their family in the arid parts of Isiolo County, Kenya. But rising insecurity and frequent bandit attacks made keeping livestock increasingly difficult and risky.
The family needed another way to earn an income.
Through Kiunga’s Voluntary Savings and Loan (VSL) initiative, Leah accessed a small loan of about $80. She and her husband decided to invest it in something new: butternut squash farming.
With determination, they prepared their land, learned the basics of farming, and began cultivating their first crop.
Within just a few months, their efforts paid off. The farm produced healthy butternut squashes that were ready for market. The largest sold for about $4, while even the smallest brought in about $1.
For Leah’s family, the harvest meant more than income. It provided a way to meet essential household needs during a difficult period and gave them the confidence to continue investing in farming.
Today, Leah sees farming as both a source of income and an important source of nutrition for her household. The proceeds from her first harvest have helped her family plan for future farming cycles and build toward a more sustainable livelihood.
Leah’s story is a reminder that meaningful change does not always begin with a large investment. Sometimes, it starts with a small opportunity, the determination to make it work, and the support to take that first step.
A loan that may seem small to many of us gave Leah the opportunity to try something new. Her hard work turned that opportunity into a harvest, an income, and a new path forward.