Kasten Farmers Take Bold Steps Toward Self‑Reliance

Forty-one members of the Kasten Farmers Group recently participated in an Advanced Sustainable Farming Training Workshop held at Christian Impact Mission’s Yatta Institution and Farm. The training was designed to equip farmers with practical, climate‑smart techniques tailored for arid and semi‑arid lands (ASAL) like Kasten. The workshop centered on mindset transformation, helping farmers shift from focusing on scarcity to recognizing the resources already around them. This change is key to building food security and seeing economic growth as truly within reach.

Mindset Change & Self‑Reliance 

The sessions were led by Bishop Titus Masika, founder of Christian Impact Mission, who emphasized that lasting change begins with the right mindset. He shared the remarkable journey of the Yatta community, which moved from chronic food insecurity to self‑reliance by embracing simple, locally available solutions. Farmers learned about constructing water pans, using basic irrigation systems, and adopting the belief that ASAL regions can thrive when proven methods are applied consistently.

Seeing the flourishing farms in Yatta, an area with climate conditions nearly identical to Kasten, was a turning point for many participants. It offered living proof that transformation is not only possible, but within reach.

Farmers also received training on:

• The one‑acre farming concept, which maximizes land use through crop rotation, water conservation, and strategic crop selection.

• Elevated garden beds using recycled materials like gunny bags and polythene bags for year‑round vegetable production.

Two participants shared how past training transformed their lives, helping them move from relying on relief food to becoming self‑reliant and financially stable through the skills they gained.

Impact & Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, farmers left with renewed confidence and a clear vision for what is possible in their own community. Key outcomes included:

• Increased motivation and belief in their ability to succeed.

• Adoption of low‑cost irrigation and vegetable production methods.

• Greater willingness to implement water‑harvesting systems.

• 41 households now equipped to pursue year‑round food production and improved food security.

A Step Toward a Food‑Secure Future

The training marked a significant milestone for Kasten community members. Through mindset change, hands-on learning, and inspiring success stories, farmers gained practical tools to build resilience using the resources they already have. Many described the experience as “eye‑opening,” and left confident that climate‑smart farming is not only achievable but sustainable for their families and community.

This workshop represents an important step toward creating a food‑secure, climate‑resilient future in Kasten and the momentum is just beginning. Thank you for continuing to make programs like this possible, we couldn’t do this without you.