5-Year CASHA Project Launch to Empower Youth and Women in Livestock Sector
Cabinet Secretary,Ministry of East African Community,ASALs and Regional Development Beatrice Moe, has officially launched the Creating Shared Value with Young People in the Livestock Sector (CASHA) Project, a five-year initiative accompanied by PS ASALs, Kello Harsama and spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Kenya.
The project, unveiled in Lodwar, seeks to transform the livelihoods of 300,000 youth and women across 15 Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties by unlocking opportunities in the livestock value chain.
Speaking at the launch, CS Moe, emphasized that the CASHA Project is a timely intervention to not only enhance food security but also address unemployment challenges among young people in marginalized regions.
“The livestock sector is a lifeline for communities in ASAL areas. By equipping our youth and women with skills, knowledge, and resources, this project will enable them to create wealth, improve resilience, and contribute to national development,” she said.
The CASHA Project will focus on strengthening livestock production systems, promoting agribusiness opportunities, and fostering innovation in value addition. It is expected to bridge gaps in market access, capacity building, and climate resilience for pastoralist communities.
FAO Kenya officials underscored their commitment to working with national and county governments, development partners, and community stakeholders to ensure the project delivers long-lasting impact.
The launch brought together county leaders, development partners, youth representatives, and civil society actors, all of whom pledged their support towards realizing the project’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth in Kenya’s livestock sector.
By Joan Ngugi