Purity Ntarangwi, a resident of Umande ward, is one farmer who has embraced this innovation.
Her journey with 'chepkube' began with just 30 one-day-old chicks.
Thanks to the brooder's dual function as an improved cooking stove and a heat source for the chicks, she managed to keep nearly all of them alive, drastically reducing the mortality rate. After three weeks, she sold the chicks at Sh250 each, reinvesting her earnings to buy 250 more.
“The brooder not only provides essential heat for the chicks but also serves as an efficient cooking stove,” Ntarangwi said.
This multipurpose tool has made poultry farming both easier and more profitable for her.
Building a sustainable business
Her success didn't stop with her initial batch of chicks. She decided to retain some birds to maturity into layers, selling the eggs to meet her family's financial needs.
Currently, she has 150 chickens and plans to keep them for egg production. This strategy not only ensures a steady income, but also enhances her family’s nutrition.
The 'chepkube' concept is borrowed from West Pokot, and Ntarangwi has mastered its construction.
She now earns extra income by installing these improved cooking stoves-cum-brooders for her community, charging Sh5,000 per installation.
So far, she has installed 15 brooders, using materials like mud and concrete, making the cost minimal and the impact significant.
Empowering women, changing lives
The 'chepkube' initiative has empowered many women in Laikipia county. Ntarangwi, a member of the Sirimon Livelihood Women group, proudly shared that 18 out of their 20 members have installed the initiative.
'Chepkube' has not only provided financial independence but also reduced their reliance on men for household cash.
“Overtime I have seen that poultry farming is quite easy and it has been a year since I installed the 'chepkube'. It has also helped me build myself financially and I am able to pay school fees for my children," she said.
Before this project many of the women depend on men even on small things such as matchsticks and salt. Today, they say they provide more for their households including buying feed for the chicken without direct assistance.
“This project has lifted a huge burden off my husband’s shoulders. I can now support our children's education and manage household expenses independently,” Ntarangwi said.
The Women Economic Empowerment through Climate Smart Agriculture project, which introduced the initiative, has been a game-changer. Implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization, UN-Women and Hand in Hand, and funded by KOICA-Kenya, this four-year project has reached more than 2,700 farmers in Laikipia, West Pokot and Kitui counties.
Robert Otundo, FAO’s monitoring and evaluation officer, highlighted the project's success.
“Women have become more economically empowered and are now saving more than Sh1,000 per month, compared to less than Sh200 before. This initiative has sparked new investments and increased household savings,” he said.
Otundo said that climate smart innovations like 'chepkube' has indeed brought a wave of change to Laikipia county, turning poultry farming into a viable and profitable venture. This innovative brooder is not just a tool; it's a symbol of empowerment and progress for the entire community.
Community support and future prospects
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu praised the support from UN Women, FAO and Hand in Hand.
He encouraged farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural technologies to boost productivity.
“Using 'chepkube' and other climate-smart methods ensures higher yields and better income,” Irungu said.
The governor highlighted the pressing challenges farmers face due to climate change, noting that droughts and floods hit them the hardest.
To combat these issues, he emphasised the importance of cultivating high-value fruit trees like macadamia and avocado. These crops not only offer nutritious food but also play a vital role in environmental preservation.
"We're also championing drip irrigation to make the most of our water resources," Irungu said.
"Additionally, we're encouraging every household to establish kitchen gardens. The FAO has been instrumental in this effort, generously providing tanks for our women. Our goal is to supply tanks to 50,000 households across the county.”
Through these initiatives, the governor aims to create a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate.
The project manager, Elizabeth Obande, emphasised the broader goal of the initiative.
“We are not just improving production systems but also empowering women to influence policy and development plans. They now have a voice in decision-making processes,” she said.
