FELICITY MWENDWA - Building the Community through Agriculture with the Jiinue Growth Program

Embedded in the North Eastern region of Kenya, Felicity Mwendwa, the founder and managing director of Mwees Farm Limited, has redefined the agricultural landscape in her home area with her approach to farming. Specializing in the production of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, French beans, and capsicum, Felicity continues to be a beacon of growth and sustainability in her community.

Overcoming challenges

Felicity's farming journey began three years ago, initially focusing on both greenhouse and outdoor cultivation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, threatening the survival of her burgeoning enterprise. In 2020, she joined the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), which played a pivotal role in rejuvenating her business. Through KEPSA's extensive training programs, Felicity learned effective strategies for regrowing and sustaining her farm, particularly emphasizing environmental safety and waste management.

Accessing affordable financing

One of the greatest hurdles in the agricultural sector is accessing loans, often hindered by the demand for substantial collateral. Recognizing this barrier, KEPSA introduced Felicity to the Jiinue Growth Program, which provides easy access to funding through mobile technology. Felicity was among the first to benefit from the program, receiving her initial loan of KES. 16,000 and progressively accessing up to KES. 100,000.

The Jiinue Growth Program (JGP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is a five-year program which aims to empower 229,500 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya and has been instrumental in Felicity's success. By offering access to affordable financing, technical assistance and mentorship, the program helps entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers to success. In collaboration with Grassroots Business Fund (GBF), DT Global, 4G Capital, GROOTS Kenya, Powered by People, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), JGP focuses on building resilience, fostering innovation, and creating jobs, especially for young people and women.

"The Jiinue loan program has been a game changer for me. It allowed me to invest in quality seedlings, organic crops, and a drip irrigation system, significantly increasing my farm's productivity," Felicity shares.

With the expansion of her farm by an additional acre, she witnessed her profits soar by 40%. The financial support also enabled her to hire more employees, boosting community employment.

Looking to the future

Currently at the maximum limit of the program’s Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) loan, Felicity is eager to secure a similar loan to further expand her operations. With additional funding, she aims to purchase more drip irrigation kits and construct a modern storage unit to enhance the shelf life of her perishable goods.

"I envision a future where we can add value to our produce by processing tomatoes into tomato paste,” Felicity asserts. “Our commitment to building a sustainable agribusiness is unwavering, and with continued support from Jiinue, tukishikana mikono, we can elevate Mwees Farm Limited to new heights."

The role of the Jiinue Growth Program

"The support from Jiinue has been profound,” Felicity explains. “It has not only provided the financial assistance needed to grow my farm but also the training and mentorship required to sustain and expand the business."

The program's impact is evident in the significant increase in her farm's productivity and profitability.

Challenges and resilience

Despite the progress, Felicity acknowledges the challenges she has faced along the way. Initially, the lack of capital was a significant barrier to her business expansion.

"The loan from Jiinue was a game-changer. It allowed me to invest in essential resources and increase my farm's productivity," she says.

The training sessions provided by Jiinue have also been instrumental in helping her navigate the complexities of running a business.

"Through the Jiinue program, I have received invaluable training on business management, environmental safety, and waste management. These skills have been crucial in sustaining and expanding my farm," Felicity adds.

Community impact

Felicity's success is not just measured by financial growth but by her contributions to her community. She drilled a borehole to provide free access to water, a precious resource in her region. Her farm has become a hub for social activities, including a youth football program she sponsors to inspire young minds to explore agricultural opportunities.

"I am passionate about empowering the youth and women in my community, offering them opportunities to learn and engage in farming," Felicity says.

She plans to create a communal garden for women workers and continues to advocate for youth involvement in agribusiness.

Felicity's story is not just about personal success; it’s also about community impact. By expanding her business, she has created more opportunities for herself and her family. Her aspirations to add value to her produce and create a communal garden for women workers indicate her desire to diversify her income streams and provide more comprehensive services to her community.