Kenya - ALIN

Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) is an International NGO that facilitates information and knowledge exchange to and between extension workers or ‘infomediaries’ and arid lands communities in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Could you tell us something about ALIN’s main activities?

Our projects and activities are focused on four main areas including Agriculturaml information, Climate Change Adaptation, Market Linkages and Capacity building. Other than the Baobab magazine, ALIN also produces Joto Afrika, a quarterly eight-page newsletter on climate change adaptation that features research done by African researchers in Africa.

Capacity building for community members is another key area of activities. ALIN continuously builds the capacities of infomediaries to support both dissemination and capture of information about innovations and best practices from communities. Capacity building is done either directly or through partners. Areas of capacity building include thematic workshops on skills in writing and production of multimedia clips; exchange visits to learn best practices and local innovations. Exchange visits are also carried out between communities living in arid areas with the purpose of learning and adapting practical knowledge that can be replicated in their home areas.

ALIN also uses the Maarifa (Knowledge) Centres model to reach out to communities in arid lands.

Maarifa Centers? What are they precisely?

A Maarifa center is a room or a ‘fabricated shipping container’ where communities access information resources. The center is equipped with computers and internet access. It is an information hub where local knowledge is documented by communities, with the support of field officers, and shared widely. These centers also have a rich information resource base that includes publications, newsletters, research reports and electronically stored information like CD ROMs, audiovisual material and compendiums. The ICT equipment enhances information access via the Internet, content creation and skills development among rural communities. Field officers employed by ALIN run these Maarifa Centers. An advisory committee drawn from a focal group oversees the operations in collaboration with the field officer.

Why did you decide to become an Agricultures Network partner?

ALIN became part of the Agricultures Network in 2009 after receiving an invitation from ILEIA, who was looking for an organisation in East Africa to do the East African edition of the network magazines. ALIN applied and was picked as a suitable candidate. Since 1988 it had produced a developmental magazine targeting farmers in drylands and focusing on agriculture and livelihoods so it had the relevant experience.

The partnership resulted in ALIN producing the quarterly Kilimo Endelevu Africa (KEA), the East Africa version of Leisa magazine. The first issue was circulated in June 2009. KEA has since merged with Baobab magazine that has been a flagship of ALIN since 1988. The Baobab increased the number from 24 to 36 pages during the merger.

What have you found to be the benefit of being an Agricultures Network Partner?

Joining the network increased ALINs international network and affiliation. The editorial team can now get articles on experiences from other parts of the world that were informative to the East Africa readers. Articles from the region could also be carried out in the Farming Matters and others network magazines.

ALIN staff have also benefitted immensely from the international exposure during AgriCultures Network meetings as well as their capacity building from various workshops and forums. Other benefits include joint proposal writing and exposure.

What do you think is the number one challenge facing the sustainable agriculture and small-scale farmers in your region?

Agriculture plays a very important role in the social and economic development of East African countries and is the main contributor to economic growth and stability. The sector not only contributes to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment creation, but is also a source of foreign exchange earnings. Agriculture contributes to poverty alleviation and food security and thus serves as the engine for economic growth and improved livelihoods. Most of the farmers in the region practice small-scale agriculture and the harvesting of natural resources provide livelihoods for over 70% of the population.

The biggest challenge facing most small-scale farmers is poverty. Most of the farmers are resource-poor and lack the financial capacity necessary for successive farming. After a harvest, most of the farmers also lack ready markets where they can sell their produce fast, especially fresh produce. The lack of infrastructure such as roads only makes the situation more difficult. Other challenges include a gap in flow of necessary information to aid their farming and unpredictable weather patterns.

Find out more about ALIN (AgriCultures Kenya)

- ALIN member group page
- ALIN website
- Read Baobab magazine