The Days of Small Beginnings

Joshua’s family are amazing, an example of small but significant contributions to the challenges that face Africa today. They have banded together to develop a cooperative small holder cooperative farming venture for their community in Western Kenya. Despite the fact that this is an affluent middle class, urban family, they have not disdained their connections to the land…as the Bible says “Do not despise the days of small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin……“  Zechariah 4:10.

By encouraging farmers in their village to donate about an acre of land towards the cooperative, the family has invested start-up capital, basic technology and big business know-how to support the local workers. Around once a month, they till the soil together, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandkids etc. Together reap the dividends of shared labour and honest toil.

More than 70% of Africa relies on rural livelihoods. With increasing urbanization the skills of farming communities and the relationships that sustain Africa culture are breaking down.  It starts with small things to unravel the ties……but it also starts with small efforts to renew the bonds.

Photo Credit: A family tills their small farm land at the outskirts of Naivasha Town.