Utooni Development Organization

11/05/2026

At the heart of sustainable community development is the power of connected solutions

Our Agroecology and Water Projects continue to demonstrate how different interventions can work together to strengthen livelihoods and build resilience within the community.

At Kathambalani Sand Dam, water harvested and stored within the sand dam supports activities at the nearby Mukuyuni Nursery, where community members raise vegetable seedlings and fruit trees. These seedlings are later distributed to farmers in various solidarity groups under the Agroecology Project for planting in their farms.

A similar transformation is taking place at Masaani Sand Dam and the nearby Masaani Nursery, where reliable access to water is supporting the production of seedlings and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Through this integrated approach, the community is not only accessing water for domestic and productive use, but is also improving food production, environmental conservation, and household incomes.

The connection between sand dams and community nurseries is a clear example of how sustainable water access can support agroecology and strengthen long-term resilience.

03/05/2026

In Kathyaka, where drought once defined daily life, a quiet transformation is taking place—and at the center of it is Angelina Nzuki.

As a Gender Champion under the Nature Plus initiative, Angelina is rewriting her family’s future through determination, knowledge, and action.

With 463 zai pits, her land now captures and holds precious rainwater, breathing life back into the soil. Today, her farm produces cowpeas, pigeon peas, green grams, and cassava—crops that withstand harsh climates and nourish her household.

But Angelina didn’t stop there

She manages a traditional log hive, opening a pathway into beekeeping
Her homestead is alive with 20 poultry birds and 26 chicks, strengthening both income and nutrition
She has established fodder and a fodder store, ensuring her livestock thrive even in dry seasons
Through tree planting and FMNR, she is restoring the environment around her

What truly sets Angelina apart is her visioning journey—a simple yet powerful tool that has transformed how she plans for her future. Today, she not only makes informed decisions for her household but also inspires others in her community to do the same.

This is what Nature Plus looks like on the ground: resilience, dignity, and possibility.

Your support can scale stories like Angelina’s—reaching more families, restoring more land, and building stronger communities.

23/04/2026

14/04/2026

Meet Catherine Kisengese, a trained artisan building rocket cookstoves that are helping households save firewood, time, and costs.

Watch her story.

10/04/2026

Water is life—and together, we are bringing it closer to communities.
Support a sand dam. Support a shallow well. Change a community.

08/04/2026

Today we had the pleasure of hosting visitors from Fastenaktion and Acts for Change under the Agroecology Project.

The visit provided an opportunity to experience firsthand how agroecological practices are being implemented at community level.

The team visited Mukuyuni Community Nursery, located near a sand dam, where they observed how the two interventions complement each other. The nursery relies on water from the sand dam, demonstrating a practical and sustainable approach to resource use.

They also visited Nditiwa Solidarity Group, where they were hosted by one of the members, Margaret Peter. During the visit, the team explored a kitchen garden, food forest, and compost manure practices, gaining insight into how farmers are applying agroecological knowledge.

There was also an engaging discussion on group savings and lending, where members shared how the project has positively impacted their livelihoods.

Visits like these continue to highlight the power of agroecology, collective action, and sustainable solutions in strengthening food security and resilience.

03/04/2026

In our communities, a sand dam is more than just a structure—it is a shared effort from start to finish.

It all begins with the community. When the need for water arises, they come together to request for a sand dam.

Once the process starts, community members take the lead by collecting natural materials such as sand and rocks, preparing the site, and actively participating in the construction.

At Utooni Development Organization (UDO), we complement this effort by providing procured materials such as cement and metal rods, along with skilled artisans and technical guidance. Our team works side by side with the community throughout the construction.

This spirit of working together reflects the Kamba tradition of mwethya—a powerful practice of unity and collective responsibility.

Because of this approach, sand dams are not just built—they are owned, maintained, and sustained by the community.

Built together
Strengthened through unity
Sustained for the future

03/04/2026

From Utooni Development Organization

Wishing you a blessed Good Friday.
May we reflect on His sacrifice, embrace His love,
and walk in the hope and grace He has given us.

01/04/2026

Margaret Peter’s Journey to Food Security

Margaret Peter, a member of the Nditiwa Solidarity Group, is a shining example of how agroecology can transform lives.

Like many smallholder farmers, Margaret once struggled with low yields due to erratic rainfall and poor soil fertility. But through the agroecology project, she learned about **food forests**—a sustainable system that combines trees, crops, and nature.

With training and support from her group, Margaret established her own food forest, planting mangoes, guavas, pawpaws, and integrating vegetables, herbs, and legumes. Over time, her farm became more productive, with improved soil fertility and better moisture retention.

Today, her family enjoys a steady supply of nutritious food all year round. She has reduced household expenses and earns extra income by selling surplus produce.

Margaret is now a role model in her community, inspiring other farmers to adopt sustainable practices.

Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right knowledge and support, communities can build resilience, restore their land, and secure their future.

25/03/2026

Today, we participated in the KEFRI Open Day at Kibwezi Sub-Regional Research Centre, themed “Building Climate Resilience through Agroforestry, Ecosystem Restoration and Nature-Based Solutions.”

It was a great opportunity to showcase practical interventions under the Nature Plus Project, including:

Half-moons for water harvesting and land restoration
Fodder establishment for sustainable livestock management
Value addition on baobab, millet, and sorghum
Azolla production for livestock and poultry feed
Beekeeping as a livelihood activity

The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, learning, and engagement with other stakeholders working towards climate resilience in dryland areas.

We are proud to be part of solutions that are transforming communities and restoring ecosystems.

17/03/2026

Mary Kaumbulu’s journey with Utooni Development Organization, in partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Mennonite Central Committee - MCC , shows how knowledge, resilience, and dedication can transform a farm and a family’s livelihood. As a participant in the Nature Plus Project, Mary has adopted climate-smart farming practices that have improved her harvest and strengthened her household’s resilience.

This is her story.