Across the Alliance, grassroots leaders are unlocking local expertise to drive bold, practical solutions to climate challenges. One of them is Evance Okoth, founder of Manyatta Metameta CBO, who is advancing climate action through locally rooted solutions to food insecurity and youth unemployment.
Who They Are
Manyatta Metameta is a youth-led community-based organization in Manyatta B informal settlements, Kisumu County. Founded in March 2020, it grew from a collective resolve among local youth to combat the dual challenges of food insecurity and youth unemployment.
“We empower women and youth to grow vegetables at their doorsteps using locally available materials. This technique is an effective way to produce fresh vegetables, requiring less water, minimal space, and reduced effort. We have seen that this is particularly beneficial for women who can tend to their gardens, as they handle other household responsibilities,” Evance explains.
Alongside hands-on training in urban agriculture, Manyatta Metameta equips youth with business skills that open pathways to self-employment. By showcasing the potential of agribusiness, they’re challenging stereotypes about farming and inspiring a new generation to engage in environmental stewardship.
“Through their outreach, they have made agriculture look more attractive to us as young women, and it is now drawing more youth into vegetable production as a source of income,” testifies Tresi Agatha, as she harvests fresh skuma wiki vegetables.
What They Do
In an area where many families face high food costs and limited access to fresh produce, Manyatta Metameta has turned abandoned plots into thriving gardens. Using vertical farming, sack gardening, hydroponics, and other techniques, the organization supports three core program areas:
- Urban agriculture training: Offering practical skills in rooftop farming, aquaponics, and sustainable gardening.
- Women and youth empowerment: Providing pathways to income through farming and value-added products like dried herbs and sauces.
- Community food distribution: Running a neighborhood food bank to supply nutritious food to vulnerable households, especially during crises.
Over the past five years, their efforts have supported over 300 households in adopting urban farming, while more than 500 women and youth have been trained in sustainable agriculture and agribusiness.
Impact in Action
With the establishment of a youth training center and partnerships with local businesses, Manyatta Metameta has scaled its reach. Five community gardens now supply fresh vegetables to local schools, improving child nutrition in the Manyatta area.
Despite challenges like water scarcity and land tenure issues, the organization continues to innovate—introducing methods like cone gardening, hanging gardens, azolla production, and black soldier fly education to strengthen local food systems. They also promote the use of indigenous and drought-resistant crops suited to local soils and climate conditions.
Where They’re Heading
As climate impacts intensify across Western Kenya, Evance remains deeply committed to engaging youth in climate-smart urban farming. He urges governments and international organizations to recognize the proven track record of local leaders and invest in the solutions they’re already delivering within their communities.
“Our organisation is a testament to how grassroots efforts can drive meaningful change in food security. By empowering local communities with knowledge and resources, we’ve not only addressed hunger but also fostered economic growth and social cohesion in Manyatta.”