Utooni Development Organization

12/06/2026

We had the privilege of hosting a learning tour by representatives from World Renew and ADS under the Nature+ for Climate Change Resilient Communities of Kikumbulyu North Landscape Project.
The visitors interacted with members of Woni wa Syathani Farmers Group and Twone Mbee Farmers Group, witnessing firsthand the impact of climate-smart agriculture, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), on-farm water harvesting, azolla production for poultry farming, pig farming, beekeeping, fish farming, and diversified livelihoods.
The tour also included a visit to the Kwa Matundu Earth Dam and restoration site, where community members shared their experiences in natural resource management, restoration efforts, and community-led development.
The visit provided an opportunity for learning, reflection, and exchange of experiences on building resilient communities and sustainable livelihoods.

24/05/2026

Today marked an important moment for the Kamuani / Kyakathule community in Muumandu Location, Kalama Subcounty, Machakos County, as the Kyakathule / Kamuani Sand Dam was officially handed over to the community.

The event brought together community members, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate a project that will improve access to water for households, livestock, and small-scale farming.

The sand dam was made possible through the collective efforts of the community, Utooni Development Organization, and partners including Sukuma Twende Trust wende and Shah Ranmal Raja Charitable Trust.

Built through the spirit of mwethya — community working together — the sand dam reflects the power of partnership, local ownership, and sustainable solutions.

As the community takes ownership of the project, we look forward to seeing the long-term impact it will have on livelihoods and resilience in the area.

Water closer to the community
Built together
Sustained for generations

20/05/2026

Today, members of our solidarity groups under the Agroecology Project proudly participated in the Makueni Agroecology Fair, where they showcased a rich variety of indigenous seeds and shared knowledge on sustainable farming practices
The event provided a valuable platform for farmers to celebrate and promote traditional seed varieties that are resilient, nutritious, and well adapted to local climatic conditions. Through exhibitions and interactions with fellow farmers and stakeholders, the groups highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous seeds in strengthening food sovereignty, conserving biodiversity, and promoting environmentally friendly agriculture.
Beyond showcasing seeds, the fair created opportunities for learning, networking, and exchanging experiences with other agroecology practitioners and community members.
It was inspiring to see farmers confidently share their knowledge and demonstrate the important role indigenous seeds continue to play in building resilient and sustainable food systems.

18/05/2026

In the Agroecology Project, sunflower is more than just a crop — it is a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and multifunctional farming.
For solidarity groups, sunflower plays many important roles within the food forest system. Its seeds support poultry nutrition, the flowers attract pollinators that improve biodiversity, and the plant contributes organic matter that enriches soil health. Farmers also use sunflower for local seed saving and income generation through oil extraction.
By integrating sunflower into their farms, communities are reducing dependence on expensive external farm inputs while strengthening sustainable food production systems.
This simple yet powerful crop continues to demonstrate how agroecology promotes solutions that are environmentally friendly, economically practical, and community-driven.

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.