b'first person STORIES FROM THE FIELDPHOTO BY ALL AN GICHIGIElizabeth Oywaya, Hatching Hope Kenya communications officer, center, stands with members of a womens group supported by Heifer. I was inspired by how individuals and groups showed support for each other, especially during this difficult time. Each farmer had a unique story to tella story of hard work, commitment, patience, strength, confidence and determination. I am proud to be a contributor to thework that Heifer is doing and am happy to share more storiesof how Heifer International is impacting lives in Kenya.ELIZABETH OYWAYA, Hatching Hope Kenya communications officerSO MUCH OF OUR WORK on theWeve also had to find new waystraveled there to interview farmers and ground happens in countries thatto bring you stories of impact. Whiletheir families to listen and learn about have been profoundly affected by thea lot of good work can be done usingtheir resilience during the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic. In the last twotechnology, it takes more than phoneOywaya and the rest of Heifers years, economic hardship in thesecalls and emails to understand thelocal staff are critical to the success places has made access to nutritiouschallenges rural farmers face and toof our work supporting the worlds food an obstacle for many people.document their work and their stories. smallholder farmersit truly takes a Heifer has adapted to the challenge,When a local lockdown in Siayavillage to reach our mission. and we continue to ensure that familiesCounty in western Kenya ended,You can read a story from her visit have the resources and opportunityElizabeth Oywaya, Heifers Hatchingto Siaya County on page 10 of this needed to not just survive, but thrive.Hope Kenya communications officer,issue.n24| SPRING 2022'