In the tranquil village of Ulafu, Siaya County, Kenya, a remarkable story unfolds as Stephen Omondi Odhiambo, despite facing hearing impairment, emerges as a successful poultry farmer. His journey to agricultural prosperity was propelled by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Siaya Disabled Peoples Organization (SIDIPO). The Integrated Country Approach (ICA) program, implemented since 2011, aimed to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion faced by individuals with disabilities in agrifood-based jobs.
In the village where people with disabilities often confront marginalization and economic hardships, the FAO-ICA program became a beacon of hope. By providing technical training in fruit, poultry, and fish farming, the initiative addressed the specific needs of youth with disabilities, empowering them to overcome barriers to employment. Stephen, having worked in Nairobi, returned to his roots and embraced poultry farming after experiencing job loss during the COVID-19 downsizing.
The success of the program lies not only in imparting agricultural skills but also in addressing unique challenges. Specialized training and input support were tailored to participants, ensuring their successful integration into the agrifood sector. Stephen and his wife, Dorah Akungu, not only found financial stability through poultry farming but also became emblematic of the program's broader impact on inclusive agrifood value chains.
Completed in December 2023, the FAO ICA program, supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, extended its reach to five countries, including Kenya. By promoting quality work opportunities and inclusivity, the initiative not only showcased the potential of individuals with disabilities in agriculture but also underscored their pivotal role in the social and economic development of their communities. The success stories emerging from the program exemplify the transformative power of inclusive agricultural practices in fostering resilience and breaking the cycle of poverty.



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22 w
This is quite encouraging.. including those who.are abled differently in all our activities is the way to go.
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43 w
Thanks to Food and Agriculture Organization for showing people that disability is not in ability.
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45 w
The FAO is doing a very commendable job
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45 w
Inclusivity for all! đź’š
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45 w
@gorffly_mokua kicking out discrimination
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45 w
This is very inclusive
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45 w
This is a much welcome initiative. I believe so many people will be uplifted as a result
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45 w
It's heartening to see such initiatives that not only empower marginalized groups but also promote practices aligned with environmental sustainability.
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45 w
Through the continuous aid of FAO, comes a Champ Stephen Omondi despite facing hearing impairment. Emerging as the most successful poultry farmer is incredibly a milestone
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The FAO-ICA program's success in Ulafu, Siaya County, Kenya, illustrates the transformative impact of inclusive agricultural practices in addressing unemployment among differently-abled youth. By providing tailored technical training in agriculture, specifically fruit, poultry, and fish farming, the initiative addresses unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, empowering them to overcome barriers to employment. Stephen Omondi Odhiambo's journey from facing hearing impairment to becoming a successful poultry farmer exemplifies the program's broader impact on inclusive agrifood value chains. The initiative, completed in December 2023, not only promotes employment opportunities but also highlights the crucial role differently-abled individuals play in the social and economic development of their communities. This program stands as a positive example of how inclusive agricultural practices contribute to resilience and poverty alleviation while aligning with broader efforts in the fight against climate change
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45 w
Kudos to fao in helping to create jobs! Youth need sustainable jobs to run their daily life! It's important to prioritize their needs
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45 w
Taking into consideration the Marginalised Groups in a community and Nation as a whole is a great and welcome initiative by Food and Agriculture Organisation, Kudos to the Oranisation for enabling this.
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Hats off to Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) for an amazing input to support the less fortunate and moreso to contribute to the food basket to help deal with poverty and food insecurity.