Resources Oriented Development Initiatives (RODI) started as a Community Based Organization in 1989 and was at that time known as Organic Farming Outreach Programme (OFOP). The main aim of OFOP was to enhance food and income security among poor farming communities through organic farming methods. The idea was and still is to enable poor farmers to improve livelihoods using economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly farming method.

In 1998, the concept of using a Resources Oriented Development Approach (RODA), to help poor communities identify and mobilize local resources as a way of empowering them, instead of the retrogressive problems oriented development approach was conceived. The new approach led to the change of the organization’s name from OFOP to Resources Oriented Development Initiatives (RODI). RODI acquired nongovernmental (NGO) registration with the Kenya NGO Coordination Board in the month of September 1999.  RODI has a mission promoting human dignity among communities in Kenya and other East African countries, through enhanced food security, health and crime prevention. This mission is pursued by working with actors in the criminal justice system, penal institutions, schools and grass root communities to address issues of poverty, social justice and crime in Kenya.

Currently, RODI is working in 13 counties in Kenya, with inmates in 35 prisons, pupils and teachers in 68 schools, ex-prisoners, 55 community groups, 15 farmer trainers and 7 youth groups.

The thematic areas that RODI focuses on are

Food Security and Natural Resources Management to improve livelihoods

To enhance Social and legal Justice through providing legal aid, crime prevention and promotion of human rights and advocating for restorative justice

To improve community health and sanitation through WASH and sexual reproductive health

RODI Kenya uses peer education approaches to ensure sustainability and local ownership of the projects.