Resilient horticulture and water security in Isiolo

 PROPOSAL TITLE;  Enhancing Economic Empowerment and Climate Resilience through Sustainable Horticulture Infrastructure and Training.

LOCATION:   Lidsam Investments Limited Farm  ISIOLO county.

PROJECT ;     Horticulture production of herbs vegetables and fruit.

as well as food value  chain

Submitted by:    Lydia Wanja, CEO, Lidsam Investments Limited

Date:      23/5/2026

1. Background Information.

 Lidsam Investment Ltd is a fully registered company from the year 2019. The company is owned by Lydia Wanja, a person Living with a disability {PWD} as the Director. Lidsam Investments Limited is a horticulture enterprise specializing in the cultivation of medicinal herbs, vegetables, and fruits as well as doing food value addition. The farm Operations are done from our farm that consist of ten greenhouses,Open field for outdoor crops, Water Dams and Drip irrigation  systems  that helps to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and erratic rainfall,. The farm employs a diverse workforce including women, youth, and persons living with disabilities (PWDs), promoting inclusive economic participation.

Despite our efforts, post-harvest losses remain a significant challenge, particularly with delicate crops like basil that require cool temperatures during harvest and storage. Inadequate infrastructure limits our ability to maximize yields and provide sustainable livelihoods for our workers and out growers.

2. Project Goal

To empower marginalized groups economically while addressing climate change impacts by enhancing post-harvest management and expanding sustainable horticultural infrastructure.

3. Objectives

· Reduce post-harvest waste through installation of solar-powered cold rooms and solar dryers.Packaging the dried products and  ensuring that the products meet all the food safety stands in order to venture into local and export market hence creating more job opportunities.

· Extend productive hours with solar lighting in greenhouses to facilitate evening harvest of temperature-sensitive herbs.This can also ensure buyers of the quality products with longer shelve life  since crop  handling  is done  with  clear  lighting

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· Increase productivity and climate resilience by constructing additional greenhouses and installing solar water pumps as well as Solar lighting bulbs for farm security.

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· Improve water availability through the construction of water-harvesting dams especially during the rain season and then the same water can be used for irrigation during the dry spell.

· Build local capacity by training PWD’s and other  out grower farmers on sustainable horticultural practices, post-harvest handling, and climate-smart agriculture. 

4. Project Components

A. Infrastructure Development

· Solar-powered cold room to store herbs and vegetables immediately after harvest, preserving quality and reducing spoilage.

· Solar dryers for herbs and fruits to extend shelf life and increase product value.

· Greenhouse expansion to boost production and enable year-round cultivation.

· Solar lighting in greenhouses to allow for evening harvesting of herbs like basil, which are best harvested in cooler temperatures.

· Solar water pumps and water harvesting dams to ensure reliable irrigation throughout the year.

B. Training and Capacity Building

· Conduct tailored training programs for PWDs and outgrower farmers on:

o Organic and climate-resilient farming techniques

o Proper post-harvest handling and packaging

o Use of new infrastructure (dryers, cold storage, solar pumps)

o Market access strategies and quality standards

5. Expected Outcomes

· Reduction in post-harvest losses by at least 40%.

· Increased production capacity by 60% through new greenhouses and reliable water access.

· Economic empowerment of at least 200 beneficiaries including women, youth, and PWDs.

· Enhanced climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices across the value chain.

6. Target Beneficiaries

· 50+ full-time farm workers (70% women, 30% PWDs and youth)

· 150+ outgrowers and community-based farmers

· Regional market consumers benefiting from safer, high-quality produce.

7. Conclusion

This initiative aligns with national goals of inclusive economic development and climate adaptation in agriculture. By investing in climate-smart infrastructure and empowering marginalized groups with skills and resources, Lidsam Investments Limited seeks to be a model of sustainable and inclusive horticulture.

BUDGET: Ksh: 10,000,000