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Home > Producers > Flowers > Oserian Flower Farm - Kenya
 

Oserian Flower farm in Kenya lies on the banks of Lake Naivasha, one of the highest lakes in East Africa.

Oserian means ‘place of Peace’ in the Masai language. Around 6,000 people work at Oserian and one in ten are seasonal workers.
 


 
 


Being Fairtrade certified means the farm must continuously improve conditions for the workers – whether it’s their pay or how they live. To do this,  there are many different projects running,  in education, health and the environment for example.

All the workers get basic medical care. In 2008 1,000 workers were trained on how to handle pesticides and chemical fertilizers safely. In an emergency there are 150 first-aiders who are trained and equipped to international standards in first aid.

Nursery and primary schools near the farm take care of workers’ children. The workers’ houses are also near the farm. Some workers live in these houses for free or pay subsidised rents.


Quote_from_worker_at_Oserian_Fairtrade_flower_farm_
 

How Fairtrade empowers the community
 

Workers have invested the Fairtrade premium in projects to improve their living and working conditions.

The workers committee, known as the Joint Body, decides democratically how to use the premium. They make grants for children’s education with special attention paid to students with hearing difficulties. Local schools are also supported using the Fairtrade Premium to ensure a good education for workers’ children and the entire community. This includes buying chairs and bed linen for nurseries.

The premium has also funded dietary supplements for people living with HIV/AIDS as well as events to educate and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. They’ve also invested in access to clean drinking water for neighbouring communities.
How Fairtrade ensures sustainability
 

To meet Fairtrade’s environmental standards Oserian now use more sustainable ways of farming.

To cut down the use of chemicals they control pests using light, colour and pheromone traps. They’ve installed nets to protect the flowers from insects. The farm also has a five year plan to raise environmental awareness and reduce energy use. All reusable material is reused on the farm.


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