Sosoni Farming Project

Sustainable Farming & Support

In the coastal landscape of Kilifi, the Sosoni Farming Project is a story of growth, learning, and local empowerment. What began as a mission to bring sustainable agriculture to the banks of the River Rare has evolved into a sophisticated, women-led enterprise that feeds families and fuels the local economy.

1. The Journey: From Inception to Innovation

The project started with a clear goal: to empower rural women through stable agriculture. In the early stages, the foundation focused on staple crops like maize and the highly successful Spinach initiative. These early years established the community’s trust and proved that with the right support, the women of Sosoni could transform their local economy.

To aid this, solar-powered irrigation was introduced to help move water more efficiently across the fields. However, as the project matured, it encountered the true challenge of the valley: when the River Rare runs dry, there is no surface water to pump.

2. The Current Reality: The Valley & The Water Table

Farming in a valley involves a constant negotiation with nature. Sosoni’s low-lying geography presents a unique hurdle:

• The Dry Season Gap: Even with solar technology, the project is tied to the river's flow.

• The Salinity Barrier: Because the valley is at a low elevation near the ocean, the groundwater is likely saline. Drilling boreholes in this specific spot carries the risk of bringing up salt water, which would harm the crops.

The foundation is currently exploring strategic options—such as potentially leasing land on higher ground within the region—to ensure the women can farm year-round without being halted by the river's dry cycles.

3. The 2025 Pivot: Watermelons are the Future

The most exciting chapter of the project’s evolution began in the second half of 2025. Recognizing the need for high-value, resilient crops, the women shifted their focus to watermelon cultivation.

This "Watermelon Pivot" has redefined the project’s potential:

• Success in Numbers: In late 2025, Project Officer Margaret Safari and her team celebrated a milestone harvest of over 1,000 kg of watermelons.

• Financial Independence: This harvest generated roughly Ksh 35,000, proving that watermelons are the key to making the project self-sustaining.

4. Impact: More Than Just a Farm

Managed entirely by local women, the Sosoni project has become a hub for pride and progress. The income from these harvests goes directly into the pockets of the women, paying for school fees and improving household nutrition. The farm is not just growing food; it is growing a community.

5. Looking Forward

The Sosoni Farming Project is an evolving journey. We are currently working to solve the water scarcity challenges of the valley to ensure that the success of the 2025 watermelon harvest can be repeated every month of the year.

Support Our Growth

Help us navigate the water challenges of Kilifi and keep the "Watermelon Pivot" moving forward. Your support directly funds the tools and land access these women need to succeed.