Project Narrative
Food for the Hungry Kenya (FH Kenya) implemented Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and school garden initiatives across Meru, Isiolo, and Marsabit to strengthen household resilience, improve livelihoods, and enhance children’s nutrition and learning outcomes. This review assessed the effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability of these interventions using SAVIX monitoring data, 11 Focus Group Discussions, and 13 Key Informant Interviews
The findings show that SHGs have significantly improved economic stability and resilience among participating households. Members reported higher incomes, increased savings, better access to loans, and diversified livelihoods through agriculture, livestock, small enterprises, and retail businesses. Collective savings, table banking, and emergency funds have strengthened households’ ability to manage shocks such as illness, climate variability, and unexpected expenses
Women’s participation emerged as a key driver of change. SHGs enhanced women’s financial inclusion, decision-making power, and leadership within households and communities, contributing to more equitable gender dynamics. However, persistent cultural norms and limited access to credit continue to restrict full participation in some areas
School gardens and 4K Clubs have complemented SHG efforts by improving child nutrition, practical agricultural skills, and community engagement. These initiatives support food security while creating hands-on learning opportunities that connect schools, families, and local agriculture systems
Sustainability varies by region. Groups with strong leadership, good financial management, and diversified income sources show greater growth and enterprise development. Where leadership capacity, record-keeping, and access to finance are weaker, progress is slower. Strengthening governance, financial literacy, market linkages, and partnerships with financial institutions is critical for scaling impact .
Overall, the SHG and school garden model has demonstrated strong potential to improve livelihoods, resilience, and social inclusion. With targeted support to enhance leadership, diversification, gender equity, and monitoring systems, these initiatives can deliver sustained, long-term benefits for vulnerable communities.
The findings show that SHGs have significantly improved economic stability and resilience among participating households. Members reported higher incomes, increased savings, better access to loans, and diversified livelihoods through agriculture, livestock, small enterprises, and retail businesses. Collective savings, table banking, and emergency funds have strengthened households’ ability to manage shocks such as illness, climate variability, and unexpected expenses
Women’s participation emerged as a key driver of change. SHGs enhanced women’s financial inclusion, decision-making power, and leadership within households and communities, contributing to more equitable gender dynamics. However, persistent cultural norms and limited access to credit continue to restrict full participation in some areas
School gardens and 4K Clubs have complemented SHG efforts by improving child nutrition, practical agricultural skills, and community engagement. These initiatives support food security while creating hands-on learning opportunities that connect schools, families, and local agriculture systems
Sustainability varies by region. Groups with strong leadership, good financial management, and diversified income sources show greater growth and enterprise development. Where leadership capacity, record-keeping, and access to finance are weaker, progress is slower. Strengthening governance, financial literacy, market linkages, and partnerships with financial institutions is critical for scaling impact .
Overall, the SHG and school garden model has demonstrated strong potential to improve livelihoods, resilience, and social inclusion. With targeted support to enhance leadership, diversification, gender equity, and monitoring systems, these initiatives can deliver sustained, long-term benefits for vulnerable communities.