KENAFF Headquarters, Thogoto Kikuyu – The Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) recently organized a five-day Farmers Advocacy Consultation Tool (FACT) training at their headquarters Farmers Conference Centre.
The training, which took place from Friday, June 23, 2023, to Tuesday, June 27, 2023, aimed to equip KENAFF members with the necessary skills to advocate for the interests of Kenyan farmers effectively.
The training trajectory was divided into three steps, focusing on different aspects of the FACT approach.
The initial step involved a preparatory workshop where trainees underwent the FACT approach and analyzed its use in addressing various lobby issues faced by farmers’ organizations.
The second step tested FACT concepts through practical application in the organizations’ routine work based on an action plan. Finally, the third step centered around a follow-up workshop that reviewed lessons learned while implementing FACT concepts within the organizations.
The training aligned with the KENAFF strategic plan 2022-2026, specifically pillar 1, which emphasizes enhanced lobby, advocacy, and policy action. By honing the capacity of KENAFF members at all levels to participate effectively in decision-making platforms and contribute to policy discussions, the training aimed to ensure that policy proposals prepared by the organization are rooted in her members’ reality, needs, and concerns.
Throughout the five-day training, participants had a comprehensive learning experience that combined members’ information and concerns with expert advice.
The approach was based on four pillars:
- Consultations
- Participatory research involving data gathering and analysis with the guidance of experts
- Writing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) proposals
- Lobby mapping and stakeholders’ analysis
Participants learned that while the success of any proposal is never guaranteed, the FACT approach significantly increases the possibility of success.
The FACT training played a vital role in advancing the federation’s core mandate of representing, articulating, promoting, and protecting the interests of Kenyan farmers.
By fostering stronger relationships between farmers’ organizations and their constituencies, the training ensured that proposals put forth by KENAFF were well-informed, tackled relevant issues, and effectively addressed the concerns of farmers.
The event concluded positively, with participants expressing their satisfaction with the training and their newfound capacity to advocate for farmers’ rights.