This post is the fifth in a six-part series on Nuru’s rural livelihoods programming and how it helps farmers and their families take steps to move from surviving to thriving in their communities. The first post, second post, third post, and fourth post can be viewed by clicking the corresponding links. Market-Based Development One of the keys to developing and …
In 2016, in response to the Fall Armyworm (FAW) outbreak across Africa, Nuru developed a system of mobile data collection, data visualization, and targeted training and extension that provides timely, accessible and actionable FAW information directly to farmers. The system develops the capacity of Nuru staff and partners to effectively use smartphones, interpret mobile survey …
Nuru proudly focuses on being local. Nuru’s training curricula are designed to optimize the present capabilities, opportunities and motivations of the farmers they serve. For example, Nuru Kenya tested multiple varieties of improved dairy feed grass with direct input from Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and champion farmers from local Nuru-supported farmer cooperatives. …
Today I’d like to dive in a bit to describe how behavior change plays a role in our work. Impact begins with behavior change. Community-level behavior change begins with innovators. Innovators are those ready to take action and be a driving force in their community. Denknesh Abro is one of those innovators ( pictured center …
Feed grasses, beans, maize, goat and sheep fattening, and dairy are just a few of the activities that are part of a Nuru farmer’s livelihood landscape. There is an inherent art to smallholder agriculture that is in delicate balance with the needs of subsistence and the limits of the enabling environment. This balance can easily …
I am very happy to announce that Nuru International was certified as a great workplace earlier this month by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. Nuru International earned this credential based on extensive ratings provided by our team members in anonymous surveys. What Makes Nuru a Great Place to Work? The overall results …
During the first week of June, global community health practitioners, academics, donors and private sector representatives came together to discuss the humanitarian-development nexus at the CORE Group Annual Conference 2018. The group explored the differences and similarities in how we work with vulnerable populations that have been affected by violence or other disasters at the …
Nuru Kenya Healthcare Program promotes exclusive breastfeeding in rural parts of Kenya. Exclusive breastfeeding is a norm that every new mother should adhere to. Mother’s breast milk is the healthiest and safest food for the baby during the first six months because it provides all the nutrients needed for growth and development. Also, babies who …
Humentum honored Nuru International’s Security Coordinator, Brian von Kraus, with its 2018 Operational Excellence Award at its annual conference, The Power of Operational Excellence. In addition, Billy Williams, Strategic Partnerships Director of Nuru International also received an Operational Excellence Award honorable mention. Brian and Billy were recognized at an honorary breakfast in Washington, DC, on …
For the last five years, I’ve been able to join my wife and dozens of other runners from around the country to run the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) on Team Nuru International. Together we have raised over $100,000 to support Nuru’s efforts. Each year, it has been amazing to run together in our nation’s capital with …
Expatriate Exit in Ethiopia Right now, the air is abuzz with opportunity in Ethiopia. Across the country there is talk of reform and change and new ideals upon which governance and growth can be built. It is too early to know what will happen long term, but 2018 has brought a palpable energy and hope …
The Duty of Care Awards, created by the International SOS Foundation, promote ‘Empowering Sustainability & Resilience’, honouring leadership, foresight and strategic innovation in protecting the global workforce. The Awards honoured organizations and individuals worldwide making a significant contribution to protecting their people while travelling or working remotely. On May 17, 2018, Nuru International was awarded …
Nuru International has just been recognized on the Classy 100, an annual list of the top 100 growing nonprofits on the Classy platform. The annual list from Classy, creator of world-class online fundraising software, celebrates growth-minded organizations looking to their scale their impact. To recognize these nonprofits, Classy created a unique growth score based on …
Dairy Diversification from Feed to Market for Farmers The Nuru Kenya (NK) rural livelihoods team is leading a “feed to market” effort that will transform the dairy livelihoods of thousands of farmers in Kuria East and Kuria West. Nuru farmers in Kenya have traditionally kept a few head of cattle at their household for draft …
The Fall Armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda began its swift expedition–the initial outbreak–across Sub Saharan (S.S.) Africa in 2016. By the end of 2017 it had devastated maize fields in over 20 countries. Nuru first chronicled our experience with the FAW outbreak early last year and the fight continues. According to the FAO, 37 countries in …