Sowing Equality

About

Sowing Equality brings gender-transformative approaches into climate-smart agriculture in rural Kenya. By working hand-in-hand with local communities to promote inclusive farming practices, the project enhances food security, strengthens livelihoods, and boosts climate resilience while advancing environmental conservation.

In Makueni County, 8,000 community members actively take part in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland and private donors provide core funding, while community participants contribute through their labour and financial input—making this a truly collaborative effort.

The project is co-led by Mifuko Trust and the Mifuko Women Development Community-Based Organization (MWD CBO), a grassroots women’s group rooted in the local community. Together with local government officials, they ensure strong local ownership and coordination. The project also draws on the expertise of the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), especially in applying gender-transformative approaches to land restoration.

At the county level and beyond, collaboration and knowledge exchange with other NGOs and stakeholders strengthen the project’s impact. Mifuko Ltd., the sister organisation of Mifuko Trust, supports the initiative by contributing infrastructure and volunteer input both in Kenya and in Finland.

Women’s groups, who play an active and central role in the project, also produce handcrafted baskets for Mifuko. This close connection ensures that corporate responsibility is not only a value but a driving force behind the project’s effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Aid to environment

Through the empowerment of 60 women’s groups and their families, the project promotes climate-smart agricultural practices by offering training on water and soil management, green energy alternatives, and gender and social inclusion. These efforts catalyze economic, social, and environmental empowerment among farmers and their wider communities.

As a result, participating communities experience improved food security, more resilient livelihoods, and stronger capacity to cope with climate-related challenges. By adopting a gender-transformative and socially inclusive approach, the project actively engages all community members—including those often marginalized—to ensure lasting and holistic impact.

Improving Gender Equity

We are committed to advancing gender equity through a gender-transformative approach. This means going beyond removing barriers or focusing solely on women—we aim to challenge and change the deep-rooted structural inequalities and harmful gender norms that influence who can access resources, perform certain roles, and make key decisions.

We recognize that gender and social inclusion are essential for achieving sustainable change. As we move forward, we will continue to apply this transformative lens to ensure that women, men, and marginalized groups all have equitable opportunities to participate in and benefit from the project—and to contribute equally to society.

To further empower young people in Kenya, we will also offer training in advocacy and communications, equipping youth with the tools they need to amplify their voices, shape decision-making, and drive positive change within their communities.

Mifuko Trust Blog

Women's group weaving baskets under a tree

Roots of Change

Mifuko and Mifuko Trust walk side by side, but on different paths. Women’s groups are a key link in this work. 
Encounters, Progress and Sustainability

Encounters, Progress and Sustainability

Project Manager Anita Lintula reflects on the meaningful encounters and progress she witnessed in February during a project monitoring trip. 
Four Stories from Mifuko Trust

Four Stories from Mifuko Trust

The ripple effects of empowering women in rural communities are profound and far-reaching. At Mifuko Trust, we believe in the power of women to drive positive change not just for themselves, but fo...

Contact details

Woman modelling Kiondo market basket from Mifuko's 5 Red Lines collection.

Contact

info@mifukotrust.org 

Hämeentie 130 A
00560 Helsinki, Finland

Business ID: 2744748-6

The Board of Directors

Minna Impiö (Chairperson)
Vilma Autio
Henrik Suikkanen
Mari Martikainen

Hand carved wooden bird ornament by Mifuko

Mifuko Trust staff

Project Manager in Finland 

Anita Lintula
+358 45 783 430 62
anita.lintula@mifukotrust.org

Communications Coordinator

Elina Sipilä
elina.sipila@mifukotrust.org

Project Manager in Kenya

Peter Manyolo
+254 713 874 752 
peterlance.maundu@mifukotrust.org

Project Officer in Kenya

Jacinta Peter
+254701561414
jacinta.peter@mifukotrust.org