Groundnuts Value Chain Development

The Groundnuts Value Chain Development Project is a youth-centered initiative implemented by Alego Young Entrepreneurs (AYE) CBO in Siaya County. The project strengthens climate-resilient groundnut production, value addition, and market access to create sustainable jobs for youth and women.

Groundnuts are particularly suitable for Siaya’s climate because they are drought-tolerant, adaptable to low rainfall conditions, and capable of maintaining yields even during dry spells. This makes them a strategic crop for climate-resilient agriculture and food security.

Despite their potential, productivity and value addition remain low due to limited technical skills, post-harvest losses, and weak market linkages. This project addresses these gaps through practical training, mentorship, and enterprise development.

Project Goal

To create sustainable youth employment and increase incomes through climate-smart and drought-resilient groundnut production and value addition.

Objectives

  • Equip youth with skills in improved groundnut production.

  • Promote drought-tolerant and climate-resilient farming practices.

  • Support value addition (sorting, grading, packaging, peanut butter processing).

  • Strengthen access to structured markets.

  • Support youth-led agribusiness enterprises.

🌍 Why Groundnuts?

Groundnuts are a strategic crop because they:

  • Are naturally drought-tolerant and perform well under low rainfall.

  • Require less water compared to many other crops.

  • Mature within 90–120 days.

  • Fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.

  • Have strong local and regional market demand.

  • Provide multiple income streams through value addition.

This makes them ideal for youth-led climate-smart enterprises in Siaya County.

Key Activities

  • Training on land preparation, seed selection, spacing, and pest management

  • Promotion of drought-tolerant groundnut varieties

  • Establishment of demonstration plots

  • Post-harvest handling and aflatoxin control training

  • Peanut butter processing and packaging skills development

  • Business skills and financial literacy training

  • Market linkage facilitation

Climate-Smart & Drought-Resilient Approach

The project integrates:

  • Use of drought-tolerant seed varieties

  • Soil moisture conservation practices

  • Integrated pest management

  • Proper drying and storage to reduce aflatoxin contamination

  • Crop rotation and soil fertility improvement

By promoting groundnuts as a drought-resilient crop, AYE strengthens community adaptation to climate change while creating income opportunities.

📊 Expected Results

  • 200+ youth trained in drought-resilient groundnut production

  • Increased yields per acre despite dry conditions

  • Reduced post-harvest losses

  • Youth-led groundnut enterprises established

  • Improved household incomes

Value Addition & Market Strategy

We promote:

  • Cleaned and graded groundnuts

  • Branded and packaged raw groundnuts

  • Peanut butter processing

  • Collective marketing models

AYE links youth groups to traders, institutions, and bulk buyers to ensure reliable and sustainable market access.

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