In the drylands of Lower Eastern Kenya, farming has always been a challenge — unpredictable rains, degraded soils, and high farming costs have made it hard for small-scale women farmers to thrive. But thanks to LEWOCO’s agroecology training, that story is beginning to change.Agroecology is a sustainable approach to farming that uses local knowledge and natural techniques to build healthy soil, conserve water, and grow food without harmful chemicals.
Through LEWOCO’s support, women farmers are now learning how to compost, rotate crops, use organic pest control, and practice intercropping. These techniques are not only affordable but also kinder to the environment.The results are clear. Many women report improved harvests, healthier soils, and reduced costs. With more food on the table and extra produce to sell, families are becoming more food secure and financially stable.Beyond the farm, these trainings are empowering women to work together, share knowledge, and become leaders in sustainable agriculture. Through agroecology, LEWOCO is sowing more than seeds — it’s cultivating resilience, unity, and hope for the future.
In the heart of Kenya’s Lower Eastern region, the Lower Eastern Women Cooperative Union (LEWOCO) is driving meaningful change through grassroots empowerment and community-based initiatives. What began as a cooperative to support women’s economic participation has grown into a powerful movement that touches every corner of community life — from sustainable agriculture to environmental conservation and financial literacy.LEWOCO believes that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. And through action, training, and unity, the organization is proving that true transformation is possible from the ground up.
Empowering Women, Building Futures
At its core, LEWOCO is committed to empowering women to become self-reliant, confident, and economically stable. By providing training in entrepreneurship, savings and credit management, and cooperative leadership, women are gaining essential skills to start businesses, manage finances, and lead in their communities.Through organized groups and cooperatives, women have created small enterprises, established reliable income sources, and formed support networks that help each other grow. This economic empowerment goes hand in hand with improved livelihoods, increased access to education for their children, and stronger family units.
Promoting Agro-Ecology and Sustainable Farming
Agriculture is a key livelihood in the region, and LEWOCO is helping women farmers embrace sustainable, climate-resilient practices. Through agro-ecology training, farmers learn techniques such as composting, crop rotation, natural pest management, and water conservation.These practices not only improve yields but also protect the environment and reduce dependency on costly chemical inputs. As a result, families are enjoying better food security and increased incomes, while also becoming stewards of the land.
Environmental Stewardship in Action
LEWOCO also plays an active role in environmental conservation. Recognizing the link between a healthy environment and healthy communities, the union leads tree planting campaigns, community clean-up days, and awareness drives on environmental protection.
By involving schools, churches, youth, and women’s groups, these activities instill a sense of collective responsibility and promote a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Beyond economic and environmental programs, LEWOCO fosters social cohesion. Through group-based projects and forums, women come together to learn, support one another, and amplify their voices. These gatherings help address shared challenges and promote peace and collaboration at the grassroots level.
LEWOCO also celebrates community milestones through events like International Women’s Day, where achievements are shared, talents are showcased, and the spirit of unity is rekindled.
Driving Local Leadership and Advocacy
LEWOCO encourages women to take leadership roles not only in their groups but also in society at large. Many women trained by LEWOCO now serve as leaders in their communities, cooperatives, and local governance structures. By creating pathways to leadership, the union is building a generation of women who can shape policies and drive inclusive development.
A Model for Community-Driven Change
LEWOCO’s work continues to inspire a shift in how community development is approached. By centering women, respecting local knowledge, and addressing economic, environmental, and social needs simultaneously, LEWOCO is setting a powerful example of what community-driven change looks like.
From a single cooperative idea to a thriving network of empowered women, LEWOCO is living proof that sustainable development starts from the ground — and grows when communities come together with purpose.
