Growing Change: How the Jelida Foundation is Revolutionizing Farming While Fighting FGM in Kenya

*In the lush green landscapes of rural Kenya, an innovative partnership between the Jelida Foundation and Maua Talanta Studios is cultivating more than just crops—they're growing a movement of change and healing that combines sustainable agriculture with vital social advocacy against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).*

## A Revolutionary Garden of Hope Rises Against FGM

**Under the bright African sun, rows of vibrant sukuma wiki (collard greens) stretch across what was once barren land.** These aren't ordinary gardens, however. Innovative black cylindrical containers stand in organized formation, revolutionizing farming in areas where arable land is scarce and precious. Young community members carefully tend these vertical gardens, their faces reflecting both determination and achievement.

> "What we're witnessing here is not just agricultural innovation, but a powerful metaphor for protecting our daughters' futures," explains a community elder visiting the project.

"Each container represents a life that could be saved," explains a Jelida Foundation representative. "Just as we nurture these plants to grow strong without harsh chemicals, we nurture our communities to thrive without harmful traditions."

The foundation bears the name of Jelida, a young girl whose life was tragically cut short due to complications from female genital mutilation (FGM). Her story has become the seed from which this transformative project has grown, carrying the powerful message that #FGMkilledJelida.

## Vertical Farming Revolution: How Space-Saving Agriculture is Tackling FGM

The agricultural breakthrough showcased by the Jelida Foundation is nothing short of transformative. Their program introduces an exclusive **acid-free sukuma wiki variety** that delivers superior nutritional benefits while being gentler on the digestive system. But what truly sets this initiative apart is their pioneering vertical farming system using upcycled containers, enabling families to achieve food self-sufficiency with minimal space requirements.

"We're demonstrating that food security doesn't require vast acreage," explains FLAMIEH, a Maua Talanta Studios artist collaborating on the project. "A family can produce enough nutritious vegetables for consumption and income generation using just a few square meters with our vertical system."

### Key Benefits of the Jelida Farming Method:

- **Space Efficiency:** Grow 5x more produce in the same area

- **Water Conservation:** Uses 70% less water than traditional farming

- **Chemical-Free:** All-natural growing methods for healthier communities  

- **Economic Empowerment:** Creates surplus produce for market sales

- **Community Building:** Brings people together for knowledge sharing

This ingenious approach to addressing food insecurity creates natural pathways to discuss bodily autonomy and protecting vulnerable girls. As participants gather to learn these revolutionary farming techniques, the conversation organically shifts to safeguarding the next generation from harmful practices like FGM.

## Artists Becoming Advocates

What makes this initiative particularly unique is the involvement of artists from Maua Talanta Studios. Recognizing that art can transcend barriers and open hearts to difficult conversations, these creative individuals have joined hands with the Jelida Foundation to amplify their message.

"Art and agriculture might seem worlds apart, but both are about creation and nurturing," explains a Maua Talanta artist. "We use our creative platforms to show that our cultural identity can be preserved and celebrated without harmful practices like FGM."

The artists help document the project through photography, create educational materials, and use their platforms to spread awareness. Their involvement brings a powerful creative dimension to the campaign, helping it reach younger audiences who might otherwise be disconnected from both agricultural practice and FGM awareness.

## Breaking the Silence, Growing the Movement

FGM remains a sensitive topic in many communities, shrouded in silence and tradition. The genius of combining this advocacy with practical farming knowledge is that it creates a non-threatening environment where these crucial conversations can happen.

"When we talk about nurturing plants to be healthy, it becomes easier to talk about nurturing our daughters to be healthy too," says a community member participating in the project. "The garden becomes a metaphor that helps us discuss difficult topics."

## Take Action Today: Join the Movement Against FGM

**For those inspired to make a difference:**

### 24/7 FGM Emergency Helplines:

- **National Anti-FGM Hotline:** 0800 730 999 (toll-free)

- **Gender Violence Recovery Centre:** 0719 638 006

- **Childline Kenya:** 116 (toll-free)

### How You Can Get Involved Today:

Ready to transform your community with innovative farming while fighting harmful practices? The Jelida Foundation and Maua Talanta Studios are expanding their reach to new communities across Kenya.

**Get Free Resources:**

- ✓ Acid-free sukuma wiki seedlings

- ✓ Vertical farming container templates

- ✓ Training on sustainable agriculture

- ✓ Community education materials on FGM prevention

**Contact To Get Started:**

- **Jelida Foundation:0729935139

- **Maua Talanta Studios:0758409603/0715958757

**IMPORTANT:** *Share this article with 5 friends or family members who might benefit from this program or who could help spread awareness about FGM prevention. Together, we can create lasting change.*

As the sun sets over the gardens, casting long shadows through the rows of flourishing plants, one thing becomes clear: this is far more than an agricultural project. With each seed planted and each conversation started, the legacy of Jelida grows stronger, and the harmful practice that took her life edges closer to becoming a relic of the past.

Let us all be part of nurturing this garden of change, where crops and consciousness grow side by side, and where communities are being transformed—one plant, one conversation at a time.

*This exclusive report is brought to you by Taarifa TV, East Africa's leading platform for community empowerment and social change. Follow us on social media @TaarifaTV and subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring stories of innovation and transformation.*

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