Kenyan farmers show thirst for adapting to climate change

18 April 2013

“We know what it is to live in absolute poverty and sleep with an empty stomach. But we are optimistic that despite all the challenges there is some light at the end of the tunnel,” said one of the farmers from Kathengi self help group in Kitui, Kenya.

“For years the conditions on the farms have been unbearable,” she continued. “We have planted mostly maize and beans, and rely on unreliable rainfall. In most cases the crops wither before maturity. We have had to rely on relief food from the government since we did not get any harvest from our farms.”

Effects of climate change

Now, with training from Farm Africa, they are learning new skills to help their community adapt to the effects of climate change.

Over the past few months, Farm Africa’s staff trained the group to use drought-tolerant crops and farming practices that can conserve water and protect soil – such as zai pits.

They have planted more than 200 acres of drought-tolerant seeds on their individual farms and the group’s demonstration plot.

Bumper harvest

“For the past four seasons we have not had any substantial harvest from our farms, but this time round we are optimistic we will get a bumper harvest.

“We are very much excited about the village saving loan association which has just started. As a group we have stuck together for a long time. This intervention will strengthen our group and help us realise our financial goals. The sky is the limit. God bless Farm Africa.”

More about our climate-resilient farming work

More about our work in Kenya