04/03/2024
In the heart of Busia County, Sarah Ikarot Papa, 46, stands as a symbol of hope for women overcoming the challenges of tobacco farming. Sarah is one of over 2500 farmers across four Kenyan counties transitioning from growing tobacco to high iron beans through the Tobacco-Free Farms initiative. Sarah's story of resilience unfolds highlighting the transformation it has meant in her family’s life and for her community.
Introduced to tobacco farming in 2000 by her husband, Sarah faced insurmountable struggles, vividly recalling days when providing for her family was a challenge. "I remember there were days I could not afford to buy clothes or support my children," says Sarah.