Communication & Fundraising Lead at SWAPC (Samia Widows Aid & Protection Center) in rural Kenya, a consortium of widows’ groups working to improve livelihoods, resilience and rights. My work focuses on building partnerships and funding for community-led, evidence-informed programs across climate adaptation, financial inclusion, agriculture and digital inclusion. I’m especially interested in improving cost-effectiveness and practical impact measurement in grassroots development.
Michael Agundah, Gerry
Karma: 28
Building ‘The WApp Solution’
SWAPC Commitments on Cost-Effectiveness, Transparency and Faith-Informed Impact
Evaluating Community-Based Interventions for Highly Vulnerable Widows in Rural Kenya—SWAPC Introduction
Why this season so matters to NbWG in Samia Sub-County
In Samia Sub-County, Busia (Western Kenya) the rains are approaching, and if NbWG miss this window, widows lose an entire harvest cycle alternatively once the soil is ready and the first clouds gather, the window for land preparation opens, but if we miss it, an entire growing season is lost. The period is the most critical moment of the year.
Many of NbWG members are landless and economically vulnerable. Collective farming is key strategy on how they survive. Before seeds can be planted, they must prepare the land: clearing, ploughing, preparing seedlings and organizing shared plots. This early-season work determines whether harvests will be plentiful or whether families will face hunger months later.
A few months ago, John Salter generously pledged a $200 matching donation to support this initiative. That match was not just a financial boost but a signal of confidence in a community-led, cost-effective way of fighting poverty and food insecurity.
We are in the season when that match has its highest leverage, where;
Every dollar used today prepares soil that will feed families for months
Every bag of seed planted now multiplies into future harvests
Every acre prepared now prevents emergency food aid later
In EA terms, this is a time-sensitive intervention with compounding returns.
The widows are already mobilizing — organizing labor groups, identifying land parcels and preparing to plant. What is lacking most is working capital to support them move quickly whereas delays now will mean missed opportunity, rains, lower yields and lost impact.
That is why we are encouraging EA Forum readers to help activate John’s $200 match during this narrow seasonal window. The match makes every contribution twice as powerful — not just in money, but in real-world outcomes measured in meals, income and resilience.
This is not a distant or abstract project. It is women standing in fields right away, seeking opportunity as they wait for seeds, tools and preparation to begin.
We remain deeply grateful to John Salter for catalyzing this effort — and to everyone who continues to stand with us as we turn generosity into harvests.
The Case for Collective Farming Among Widows in Local African Communities
Collective farming presents a powerful and scalable solution to the socio-economic marginalization faced by widows in many African communities. In regions such as Samia Sub County, Kenya, where widowhood is both prevalent and stigmatized, this model offers a dignified path toward empowerment, food security and community sustainable development.
Key Benefits
Economic Empowerment & Income Stability
Pooled resources reduce input costs and increase productivity.
Ensures a reliable income stream through shared labor, bulk sales, and access to better markets.
Food Security & Nutrition
Diversified, group-led farming improves household food access.
Reduces seasonal hunger and market dependence.
Social Inclusion & Peer Support
Builds emotional resilience by fostering solidarity among widows.
Reduces isolation and restores dignity through shared goals and communal identity.
Land & Resource Access
Collective leasing or negotiation allows widows to access land otherwise denied to them.
Opens doors to government programs and donor-supported initiatives.
Capacity Building
Facilitates group training in climate-smart agriculture, financial literacy, and cooperative management.
Enhances adoption of modern farming methods and technologies.
Access to Credit & Markets
Farming groups are more eligible for microloans and financing.
Enable consistent supply and better pricing through collective bargaining and aggregation.
Gender Equity & Leadership
Empowers widows as decision-makers and cooperative leaders.
Fosters gender-inclusive development and shifts traditional power dynamics.
Environmental Sustainability
Supports climate-resilient practices like crop diversification, water harvesting and agroforestry.
Builds community resilience against drought, floods, and soil degradation.
Collective farming indeed is not just a livelihood model, it is a vehicle for widows’ empowerment, resilience and long-term rural transformation. Your support to NbWG will make a great difference to these vulnerable widows.
Collective farming especially in African local communities with high widow populations, offers a wide range of social, economic and empowerment benefits. Transforming widows from isolated, economically vulnerable individuals into empowered community actors—feeding their families, rebuilding their dignity and contributing to sustainable local development among other major benefits that include
1. Economic Empowerment and Income Stability
Pooling resources (land, labor, tools and inputs) lowers costs and increases productivity.
Widows, often with limited access to capital or land, gain a reliable source of income through shared farming.
Enables the production of high-value crops or bulk sales, attracting better prices and buyers.
2. Improved Food Security
Collective farming helps widows grow a variety of food crops, ensuring year-round nutrition for their families.
Helps communities reduce dependence on food aid or market fluctuations.
3. Social Support and Inclusion
Farming as a group combats isolation and reduces the emotional burden of widowhood.
Fosters peer-to-peer learning, mental health support and solidarity.
Builds strong community bonds and restores widows’ sense of dignity and purpose.
4. Access to Land and Resources
Through group arrangements, widows can lease or negotiate land they might not access individually.
Increases their eligibility for government support, donor funding and agricultural subsidies.
5. Capacity Building and Skill Transfer
Enables widows to benefit from shared training in modern farming techniques, agroecology, financial literacy and cooperative management.
Facilitates access to extension services, agronomists and digital agriculture innovations.
6. Easier Access to Credit and Markets
Collective groups are more attractive to microfinance institutions and cooperatives.
Bulk production enables them to meet market quantity and quality demands, improving their market leverage.
7. Gender Equity and Leadership
Empowers widows to take leadership roles in cooperatives or farming groups.
Promotes gender-inclusive development, with widows taking part in planning, decision-making, and managing revenue.
8. Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Promotes climate-smart farming practices like crop rotation, water harvesting and agroforestry.
Supports community-wide adaptation to climate risks (droughts, floods, pests) especially in vulnerable rural areas.
As the 2025 second planting season in Samia Sub County, Busia County is in progress where most farmers are busy tilling their land in preparation of harvest most widows are still facing challenges which is due to the inefficiencies of farming in Samia Sub County and why widows haven’t yet adopted collective farming, despite its potential:
Inefficiencies in Farming Practices in Samia Sub County, Busia County is due to;
Fragmented Land Use and Small-Scale, Isolated Farming
Most widows farm on small, inherited plots averaging less than 0.5 acres.
Farming is largely subsistence-based, with no economies of scale.
Limiting bulk production and access to markets or suppliers who prefer larger volumes.
Low Adoption of Modern Inputs or Climate-Smart Techniques
Most widows rely on traditional seed saving, minimal use of organic compost or fertilizer, and rain-fed agriculture.
Irrigation, improved seeds and pest control techniques are rarely used due to cost or lack of training.
Lack of Market Linkages and Post-Harvest Losses
Farmers often sell surplus produce at roadside markets or rely on middlemen leading to low farm-gate prices.
Poor storage and timing often result in high post-harvest losses especially for perishable crops.
Limited Access to Agricultural Training and Extension Services
Widows face barriers to attending trainings due to domestic responsibilities, stigma or mobility limitations.
Government agricultural officers are stretched thin or rarely reach remote widow groups.
Widows in Samia Sub County aren’t embracing Collective Farming yet due to
1. Land Insecurity & Cultural Constraints
Many widows lack formal land rights, and communal land leasing requires permission from male relatives or community leaders, which is often denied or delayed.
Fear of disputes over land ownership discourages long-term group planning.
2. Lack of Initial Capital & Tools
Even small costs like leasing land, buying seeds, or renting water tanks are beyond reach for most widow groups without external support.
3. Limited Exposure to Successful Models
Most widows in Samia are unaware of how collective farming models work, benefits they can achieve or how to organize for shared success.
Trainings and exposure visits are rare due to funding and mobility issues.
4. Social Stigma and Isolation
Widows often experience social exclusion or emotional trauma that limits confidence in taking leadership roles or participating in group ventures.
Fear of exploitation or poor past experiences in “group projects” may cause hesitation.
Why Collective Farming is the way forward for NbWG
It reduces per-person costs of inputs, land and labor
It builds community resilience, shared decision-making and confidence
It unlocks access to bigger markets and development support
With small external funding and proper training, it can become a self-sustaining model
Empowering NbWG through COLLECTIVE FARMING brings hope among widows as supporting widows to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose is among most effective way of eradicating poverty within communities.
A heartfelt Thank You to our matching donor, John Salter. We are incredibly grateful to his generous pledge to match up to $200 in donations toward our project: Empowering Widows through Collective Farming.
This act of generosity not only doubles the impact of every contribution from EA Forum readers, but also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable widows in Samia Sub County, Kenya, who are striving to transform their livelihoods through sustainable agriculture and community-led action.
Your commitment to amplifying the support we receive is more than a financial gift—it’s a vote of confidence in widows’ dignity, resilience and potential.
Dear friends and supporters,
A few months ago, we were deeply encouraged when John Salter generously pledged a $200 matching donation to support our Widows’ Collective Farming Initiative. His act of kindness not only doubled early contributions but also sparked a wave of hope among our members here in Samia, Busia County.
Today, as we Nambulabuchiro Team still work side by side they warmly remember and appreciate John’s generosity, and the many others who gave or shared our story.
We are still moving forward together as a team, and every contribution — even today — continues to multiply impact: enabling more widows to cultivate land, access seeds, and secure food for their families.
If you wish to be part of this continuing story of empowerment, your support will mean the world to us.
👉 https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6CH89WLJ9447EWith heartfelt thanks,
Michael Agundah, Gerry
On behalf of Nambulabuchiro Women Group (NbWG)
“Empowering Widows, Growing Hope.”
Strategic Social Impact of NbWG’s Collective Farming Model
NbWG’s collective farming is more than an agricultural activity—it is a strategic tool for social and economic empowerment. It transforms marginalized widows from isolated survivors into productive, respected contributors to their families and communities.
Who Benefits:
Widows (NbWG Members):
Gain access to land through group leasing.
Increase their household food security.
Earn a steady income from shared harvest profits.
Strengthen their voice, confidence, and decision-making power through teamwork and training.
Children and Orphans in Widow-Headed Households:
Benefit from improved nutrition and reduced hunger.
Access school fees and basic needs supported by group income.
Wider Community:
Enjoy increased local food supply.
Benefit from job opportunities (e.g., casual labor during peak farm seasons).
Witness reduced dependency and enhanced dignity among vulnerable women.
A Heartfelt Thank You to our Matching Donor, John Salter.
We are incredibly grateful to his generous pledge to match up to $200 in donations toward our project: Empowering Widows through Collective Farming.
This act of generosity not only doubles the impact of every contribution from EA Forum readers, but also sends a powerful message of solidarity to over 30 vulnerable widows in Samia Sub County, Kenya, who are striving to transform their livelihoods through sustainable agriculture and community-led action.
Your commitment to amplifying the support we receive is more than a financial gift—it’s a vote of confidence in widows’ dignity, resilience and potential.
From all of us at Nambulabuchiro Women Group, thank you for standing with us. Your kindness is already creating ripples of hope and change.
Empowering Widows through Collective Farming
Hi Jason,
Thank you so much for your interest on both aspects of our recurring giving programs and the viability of NbWG sustainability model for the functional office.
At the moment, we are in the early stages of building structured monthly and quarterly giving programs. Among major requirement(s) of having a functional office, managed by a well structured systems thus a call on fundraising request to support in establishment of a functional office. While we currently accept one-time donations via PayPal and fundraising platforms ‘GoGetFunding’, we are actively working on setting up:
A simple program dubbed “Friends of NbWG”, where recurring donors will receive regular updates and small tokens of appreciation esp. widows handmade crafts.
A monthly giving option through PayPal and/ Donorbox for supporters who wish to give automatically and/ recurring support. (Be engaging EA Forum team to advice on proven ways of managing an effective recurring giving in women led organization)
A quarterly donor engagement cycle to maintain communication, share impact stories and recognize supporters.
On the other note of sustainability model, we believe our model is realistic, community-rooted and designed for gradual strengthening. As mentioned in our sustainability plan with key focus;
1. Community Ownership: Where group members are encouraged to contribute towards small savings and participating in self-help initiatives. This is to create a strong local foundation that will also act as backup fund.
2. Diversified Income Streams: Where we’re targeting not to rely on a single source. Our plan including monthly giving, income-generating activities (IGAs), grant budget integration and local table banking contributions to distribute responsibility and reduce risk.
Among other strategies as mentioned.
In summary, our system(s) are in early stages but intentionally being built for resilience. With initial support and transparency, we believe we can grow into a fully self-sustaining widow-led center of transformation and empowerment.
Your interest is incredibly encouraging and I highly welcome your feedback and/ participation of establishing a strong system(s). We’d be honored to include you as a founding supporter of this long-term sustainability effort.
We’re open to suggestions and warmly welcome collaborators who wish to walk with us through this journey. Do believe too, in the proverb… ‘If you want to go far, go together….’
A Journey Begins — Thank You to Our First Donor!
Dear Team,
We are excited to share a special milestone with you — we have received our first donation toward building a functional office space for widows in Samia Sub County, Busia County!
This initial gift is such a powerful sign of belief in the dignity, resilience and leadership trust of the group leadership. It is the first brick in a foundation of hope, healing and growth.
With your continued encouragement and solidarity, we are on the path to creating a safe, permanent space where widows can:
Rebuild self-worth through peer support
Access agricultural and financial trainings
Attain effectual skills in economic development
Coordinate micro-grants and table banking programs
Access training to enhance knowledge on legal awareness
Launch income-generating projects to fighting against poverty
Access technical skills through training for mitigating climate change
We invite you to walk with us in this journey. The future is being written one act of kindness at a time — and it started today.
Fundraising Link:
https://gogetfunding.com/nambulabuchiro-women-group-functional-office-space/
💜 Let’s keep building dignity together.
Hi Jason,
Thanks so much you for your question. We highly appreciate your concern on Sustainability Plan of the ongoing fundraising of NbWG Functional Office and that clearly indicate your empathetic concern for these widows and visionary thoughts on how NbWG leadership will ensure the office thrives for years, effectively supporting them.
The teams focus on future sustainable monthly rent, utilities, maintenance and essential operations of the office rests on accountability of NbWG team leaders.
Team leaders key objective being to ensure long-term sustainability of future office rent, utilities and maintenance costs by diversifying funding sources and building local ownership that will enable consistent service delivery to over 200 widows annually. For ensuring long-term sustainability of the office especially covering recurring expenses like rent, utilities and maintenance for unforeseeable operation, NbWG’s key plans and strategies include;
- Effectively manage community table banking fund for creating an internal sustainability fund through forty-night contributions by groups e.g. KES 200 – KES 500 and using pooled fund as a back-up for rent, utility and maintenance cost in future.
- Capitalization on Income Generating Activities (IGAs) whereby with a team of over 50 widows NbWG will be in a position to;
Operate groups; poultry rearing, small-scale horticulture, animal husbandry and short term agricultural produce both for consumption and selling as social enterprises.
Dedicate 5–10% of profits monthly to cover future rent and office maintenance.
Use the office as a base for coordinating and marketing group members products where small fee is saved towards rental and maintenance
3 - Utilize monthly giving program where;
NbWG will launch a recurring group program targeting members willing to commit KES 50 – KES 200 per month towards emergency account support.
In future, NbWG will consider creating a PayPal subscription button or setting up Donorbox recurring donations including mobile money integrations esp with M-Changa which is available in Kenya.
4 - Effectively manage groups quarterly giving campaigns by
Hosting social media and WhatsApp campaigns every 3 months e.g. hosting a two month rent drive.
Engage NbWG community, family friends and diaspora supporters to contribute small amounts collectively.
5 - Ensure office budget integration in all NbWG project including anticipated future grants by;
Spreading costs across various funded programs including agriculture, financial inclusion, digital literacy, health and advocacy programs.
Including a proportionate allocation for office rent, utilities and maintenance in all future anticipated grant applications.
Regularly ensuring contribution towards office rent account from any in-kind contribution received by NbWG if any.
NbWG is indeed committed to maintaining a secure, functional and dignified space for widows. Through a mix of local contribution, income generation, partnerships and digital giving, we aim to ensure the office is not only sustained but also becomes a hub of transformation for widows in Samia Sub-County, Busia County and beyond.
🌟 A Beautiful Beginning! 🌟
We are deeply grateful to receive our first donation of $25 toward the Nambulabuchiro Women Group (NbWG) office campaign from Deena Englander @WorkStream NonProfit
This first step is more than a gift — it’s a vote of confidence in widows rising from hardship to hope.
With your support, we are now $25 closer to establishing a safe, functional office space that will empower over 200 widows annually through training, peer support, and income-generating opportunities.
As the very first donor, your contribution has lit the path — and we believe many more will follow your lead 🙏🏿
💜 From all of us at NbWG — thank you for walking with widows.
Hey John,
I highly welcome your technical support. MA Gerry
Empowering 200+ Widows in Rural Kenya Through a Functional Office – NbWG Grant Application
Max, absolutely true! it is possible to change the world. A handful of us believe that one of the most important facts to know about our world is that we can make a difference. Our Thinking, Decision making approach and Actions we take towards changing the world all hold the trend of change we expect the world to be a better place.
We absolutely owe it to those affected when we fail to think altruistically. In a world where there are several worthy causes we can work on to save lives around us, it’s imperative for us to making decision that embrace the concepts of standing in the gap and importance of helping others. As true Altruist and responsible members of the universe, let us strive doing good better and serving most good with our limited resources.
Thanks, Clara — I think that’s a very fair point.
I agree that principles by themselves are relatively easy to endorse and that the real question is whether they meaningfully shape operational decisions and outcomes in practice.
At the moment, our framework is still at an early stage and one reason for sharing it here was precisely to pressure-test whether the commitments are concrete enough to influence implementation rather than remain aspirational.
Operationally, our current model centers on widows’ self-help groups and combines:
savings and livelihood support,
climate-resilient agriculture,
targeted systems advocacy e.g. access to social protection and
digital inclusion efforts.
We’re also beginning to think more seriously about questions like:
Which interventions appear most cost-effective?
How should we benchmark against alternatives like cash transfers?
Which outcomes are most decision-relevant to measure?
I suspect our next post should probably focus much more concretely on implementation details, measurement and trade-offs rather than principles alone.
If there are particular operational aspects you think are most important to clarify, I’d genuinely appreciate the guidance.