Itierio Village

FAST FACTS:

Village Location: KISII COUNTY--SEMI-URBAN AREA

# of Villagers: 1,500

Village Started: NOVEMBER 2021

# of Households Surveyed: 58

# of Villagers Who Started in the CHEC: 58

Graduation Date: JUNE 2022

# Graduated from Health Training: 26

# of Participants in Economic Training: 26

2022 Primary Economic Groups: 

TREE NURSERY (21 members)

Itierio is Global Health Connections 6th village to date. Itierio community is located in Kenya, Kisii County, Bonchari constituency, Bogiakumu ward. 

Itierio village is located in a rural-urban area, which is difficult to access due to poor road infrastructure, especially when it rains.  The village has 150 households and GHC surveyed 58 of those in January of 2021. The survey included questions on their nutritional intake, water sources and their personal/ household hygiene, along with income-producing activities.  The majority of villagers live in mud walled houses with either grass or rusty iron sheet roofs, that leak when it rains. The walls and floors are poorly smeared, and most households keep their utensils on the floor. The compounds are typically not swept and the pit latrines are dirty and unmaintained.  

Most villagers are involved in tree planting, seed propagation and selling timber wood. Several also do contract work on other people's farms. Some households have kitchen gardens but they are not well cultivated and maintained. Most households buy their daily food from nearby markets, which is costly. Most households source their water from unprotected and unhygienic water springs. The springs are far and scarce, thus making it difficult and time consuming to collect water.  Some households treat their water by boiling it, which requires fuel, and that is expensive. Other households believe the water is clean and do not treat it at all. 

Many of the villagers in Itierio village practice poor body hygiene. The children are often dirty with dirty clothes, and walk around without shoes. The majority of households do not sleep under mosquito nets, thus contributing to the high number of malaria cases.  

Our challenges are many in Itierio.  But we are hopeful that through our teachings and opportunities we can empower the villagers and help them change behaviors!  Over 80% of Club participants are women, and they are eager and excited to be part of the CHEC.  

Itierio is our second Adopt-a-Village village and we have many plans!  GHC completed the health training in June and 26 members graduated. The first session of the economic curriculum began in mid-August 2022 and the 26 members decided to focus on planting a large tree nursery as the main economic project. 

As of late 2023, the tree nursery is thriving, sustainable and providing income for all members involved. 

UPDATE May 2024: 

The Itierio CHEC has achieved a significant milestone by becoming successfully sustainable and self-governing. Through the collective efforts and dedication of its members, and a guidance from GHC, the club now independently manages itself, and makes its own decisions. Additionally, they have launched and are running various income-generating projects on their own, which not only support the club's initiatives but also contribute to the economic well-being of the community. This accomplishment highlights the community's resilience and commitment to improving their health, empowerment, and financial stability.