Wazee Hukumbuka Ugenya SACCO, a cooperative based in Ugenya Sub County, has made strides in sunflower farming following a research collaboration with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. The initiative, which began with training for its 150 members across Ugenya, Alego, and Gem, has gained momentum as the team advances its agricultural efforts.
During a recent trade fair in Juba, the SACCO’s Secretary, Miss Lilian Omany, highlighted the transformative impact of the training. She noted that Jaramogi University provided a sunflower threshing machine to help kickstart the project, while the County Government of Siaya has supported them with registration, training on governance, and the provision of free sunflower seeds.
Omany emphasized the numerous benefits of sunflower farming, including efficient resource use. “There is no waste,” she explained. The by-products of sunflower processing, such as animal cake, are utilized as livestock feed, while the crude oil is processed into Aboke soap and pure sunflower oil. Additionally, the farming attracts bees, allowing farmers to produce their own honey.
The trade fair has opened up new opportunities for the SACCO, leading to partnerships with businesses such as Artorius Company Limited from South Sudan, which plans to source sunflower oil directly from Aboke. They have also collaborated with a Tanzanian cosmetic firm that produces products from sunflower oil.
On behalf of her team, Lilian expressed gratitude to the County Government of Siaya for their continuous support, which has enabled them to participate in such events. She stated that these fairs not only provide a platform for selling their products but also allow them to network and learn best practices from other exhibitors.
Wazee Hukumbuka Ugenya SACCO, like many emerging business enterprises in Siaya, is advocating for “Buy Siaya, Build Siaya.”
