At 56 years old, Paul Kituku from Mavindini Ward, Makueni County is proof that it is never too late to transform one’s livelihood. Once heavily dependent on his children for financial support, Paul wanted to become self-reliant and build a more sustainable future through farming.
His journey began when he joined MPANZI SACCO after he received training on financial literacy and saving through ADSE-supported programmes. his group received financial literacy and Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) training. The sessions helped members understand the importance of saving regularly, borrowing responsibly, and investing in income-generating activities.
Motivated by what he learned, Paul started saving and later accessed a loan of KES 20,000 from the group’s VSLA. He used this initial credit to improve his small farm. His first loan through Mpanzi SACCO came in September 2019, when he borrowed KES 40,000 to improve his farming activities. Encouraged by the results, he continued growing through additional loans of KES 90,000 (October 2020), KES 110,000 (March 2022), KES 150,000 (April 2024), and KES 144,878 (July 2025) — each one enabling a new level of investment and productivity.
“Through ADSE, I learned about Mpanzi SACCO and realized I could access financing to scale my farm. With the KES 150,000 loan, I installed a shallow well and solar-powered irrigation system — something I never imagined possible,” Paul says.
With this investment, Paul transformed his rain-fed farm into a year-round climate-smart enterprise. He now grows maize, bananas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, coriander and leafy cowpeas using improved soil and water conservation methods such as zai pits.
“The borehole and irrigation system changed our lives. We now have food throughout the year, clean water for the home and livestock and I can even sell surplus produce to my neighbors,” he explains.
Today, Paul’s family enjoys improved nutrition, reliable water access and increased income from the sale of the surplus vegetables and farm produce.
The impact has been remarkable. Paul no longer buys vegetables from the market, saving money that he now channels towards repaying his loans and expanding his farming enterprise. His household enjoys improved nutrition, consistent water supply, and financial stability all made possible through his adoption of climate-smart technologies and access to affordable financing.
Paul’s journey demonstrates how empowering smallholder farmers with access to financial services, training, and appropriate technologies can enhance resilience and self-reliance. Looking ahead, Paul says
“I thank ADSE and Mpanzi SACCO for giving me knowledge and access to affordable credit. My dream is to continue expanding my farm so that it becomes a model farm that other farmers can learn from.”
Through his story, Paul exemplifies the power of adoption and adaptation proving that age is no barrier to change when the right support, knowledge, and opportunities are in place.
