b'TOP LEFT And so, in May 2007, the resource center Smallholderestablished Siaya Seed Savings and Credit farmer Martin Okoth sits acrossCooperative (SACCO), a member-based from a Siayafinancial institution, to extend the centers Seed SACCO accountant asservices. Driven by its mission to foster she conductseconomic liberty for its community, the bookkeeping.SACCO offers loans to members at reasonable TOP CENTER rates and provides training on financial literacy, A text messagesaving and finance management.appears on a farmersAs one of its founding members, Atieno was mobile phone,appointed as the acting manager and given staff confirming ato run the organization under the assumption deposit to their SACCO savingsthat, after some time, they would hire someone account. Accesselse to fill the position.to technology, like this simpleThis, however, was not the case, Atieno SMS system,said. I was later hired as a full-time manager; a is critical toposition I have held to date for the last 14 years. engaging youth participationHer journeyfrom volunteer to manager of in Africasa thriving savings cooperativeis a testament agricultural sector. to the transformative potential of women in leadership roles, especially in communities MIDDLEA truck fromwhere stigma often stands in the way of gender Chicken Basket, aequality. Kenyan businessToday, Atieno handles the cooperatives that works with women andday-to-day operations, which include youth in poultryadvising senior management, networking and production, prepares for afundraising. Under her leadership, Siaya Seed chick delivery.SACCO is realizing a future for local farmers Heiferswhere growth, success and a dignified life are partnerships with localopportunities within reach. And her impact is organizationsanything but small: Through partnerships with like these are key to improvingNGOs, government agencies and private sector farmers lives. players, the SACCO has become an agricultural business hub and its membership has grown 12| SPRING 2022'