KTDA Foundation has recently conducted a training for 234 TESAs under the Holistic Economic and Social Empowerment Programme for smallholder tea farmers. The training was conducted in both East and West of Rift for two weeks.
The opening of the HEE training for all TESAs in the East of Rift was graced by Nathan Kirera, Region 4 RM, Jared Kebaya, the Regional Agricultural Manager East of Rift and was held at Nkubu heritage Hotel in Meru County as from 25th – 29th January 2021.
A TESA looking at the Training Manual during training
The team then travelled to Kisii County for the West Rift training that was conducted at Mash Park Hotel as from 31st Jan – 6th February 2021. The training was graced by Sudi Matara, Head of KTDA Foundation, Maureen Morogo, Agriculture Manager & Sustainable Agriculture Project Coordinator and Peter Kinyua, Regional Manager, Region 6.
Training Methodology was participatory and included roleplay of the Gender issues that are present within tea growing communities as observed by the Tea Extension Services Assistants (TESAs). This methodology presented a visual image of some of the inhibiting norms that the programme would address.
A group dramatizes conflict in the household.
Group discussions during the ToT training
Its aim is to review the existing curriculum to integrate a holistic approach with regards to gender financial inclusion and entrepreneurship and establish partnerships to implement the holistic programme. The programme is funded by IDH.