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The People

  • 350,000 inhabitants in the district
  • 77% live below the poverty level
  • 1 in 8 is an orphan under the age of 17
  • 74,000 are less than 4 years of age
  • 67% of these children are food deficient *

The incidence of HIV in the population is one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa and has contributed to a life expectancy of only 45 years (Nationally 63).  This has lead to a breakdown of societal norms, resulting in many single or no parent households where the oldest child must provide the basic needs for the family.   Grandparents, beyond the age of employment, now often find themselves responsible for raising their grandchildren.  

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In this agricultural area many of the traditional farming practices passed down were lost when a generation was wiped out by HIV/AIDS.  Averaging 2 acres of land for a family of 10, most farmers are able to supply only enough food for their family with little left over for market.   


 

Who will benefit from the production of RUTF?

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  • malnourished children

​Children suffering from moderate to severe malnourishment are perhaps one minor infection away from death due to their weakened condition.  By providing nutritionally dense food in their homes they are protected from exposure to contagious diseases while they are healing and becoming stronger.  OKS Inc will build a structure of outreach clinics to take this healing product to the areas where it is most needed.



  • young adult orphans from Oikos: Household of Faith

OKS Inc will employ graduates of this program to manufacture and distribute the RUTF.  Oikos has an active presence in Oyugis promoting the care of HIV/AIDS orphans, who are supported in a variety of ways until their graduation from secondary school.  At this age sponsorships for further education or job training are scarce and many are unemployed.   These young adults will now have a means to support themselves and perhaps open up further business or educational opportunities.​

 

  • ​local peanut farmers

OKS Inc will provide a consistent buyer for the peanuts grown by local farmers, some of whom are currently working with Imani Community Development Organization learning effective farming techniques.  We are exploring the possibility of sharing the cost of a peanut sheller with Imani thus providing an economical alternative to the labor intensive process of shelling by hand.  These peanuts can then be ground into peanut butter with the grinder already in service through Imani.  This raw peanut butter is an essential ingredient of RUTF.

*Statistics from The 2010 Rachuonyo Strategic Plan

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