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Regenerative agriculture: meet the farmers

29 November 2022

Regenerative agriculture: meet the farmers

Farm Africa is supporting farmers in Embu and Tharaka-Nithi counties in Kenya to increase their production and incomes and boost their resilience through the regenerative agriculture project, funded by the IKEA Foundation through AGRA.

The project supports farmers to adopt regenerative agricultural practices that improve soil health and food security in the face of climate change.

Meet some of the farmers who are taking part in the project:

Margaret Muunde

Margaret Muunde is pictured here at her farm in Embu, Kenya. Farm Africa has taught Margaret various techniques to improve her yields, including the importance of plant spacing, mulching and fertilizer application, which have led to bigger yields and profits.

"As farmers, we depend on rainfall for our livelihood. When there is little rain, we struggle. When there is drought, farmers do not have anything to bring to the market or collection centres.

“Those who follow Farm Africa’s methods have seen positive change and their harvests have increased."

Juliet Muthoni

"This year has been difficult, unlike last year, when we had adequate rainfall and therefore enough food. Prices are high for fertilizer, seeds, labor and other inputs, while rainfall is low. Therefore, we have turned to regenerative agricultural techniques, as taught to us by Farm Africa.

“What Farm Africa has taught us about using regenerative agriculture has been very helpful, given our challenging circumstances. The two most important techniques that we have been taught are manuring and mulching.

“Applying manure helps the plant become strong and mulching reduces water evaporation from the soil surface. Even if it does not rain for weeks, the plant will still have water." - Juliet Muthoni, at her farm in Embu, Kenya.

Justus Njeru

Justus Njeru, a farmer in Embu, Kenya, has been supported with climate-smart agriculture techniques. Justus has been able to easily sell his produce at the markets and invest in emergency funds.

"I face many challenges. Due to climate change, long periods of drought reduce yields, resulting in poor harvests. During the wet season, excessive rains can cause rot. Farm Africa has helped my family a lot. They provided me with seedlings, mosquito nets, and sacks for preserving maize.

“They helped increase the yields on my farm by bringing certified maize seeds, and manure for the coffee plants. Farm Africa have also taught me how to incorporate climate-smart soil and water conservation techniques into my farming practice, which I have been able to teach others too. Whatever the season, I always have food on my farm."

Sammy Njagi

Sammy Njagi, pictured at his farm in Embu, Kenya, has been trained in climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness.

"I have learnt that it is necessary to take good care of the soil on our farms and manage scarce water resources, so that we can continue to produce food for a long time into future.

“Farm Africa has trained me in climate-smart practices such as agroforestry. The productivity of my crops has improved since these trainings – for example, my coffee yields are high despite the drought, thanks to mulching which retains water.

“The most useful lesson I have learnt is about agribusiness. I used to just farm for personal consumption but since I started engaging with Farm Africa, I started to farm for commercial purposes. My income increased, I have been able to build myself a house and will be able to educate my children to a high level."

Benson Kathuri

Benson Kathuri, a farmer in Embu, Kenya, at his macadamia nut seedling farm. "I face many challenges in farming, such as unreliable rainfall, which is why we must conserve water. The unreliable rainfall slows down production. Farm Africa has been able to teach us how to be resilient to climate change, for example by using sustainable farming approaches such as conservation agriculture.

“The training has increased my knowledge on how to engage in farming practices that produce proper food, sustainably. I have learnt to consider the proper use of chemicals, to conserve water, and maintain soil structure."

Farm Africa’s End Hunger Grow Farming appeal is raising funds to help farmers across eastern Africa regenerate their land, build climate-resilient businesses and grow more food.

It is a fantastic time to give, as the first $169,500 donated to this appeal will be matched by a generous group of Farm Africa supporters, meaning your gift could go twice as far.

So please celebrate this year’s #GivingTuesday, the global day to give back, by donating to Farm Africa and make twice the impact to farmers and their families this holiday season.

Together, we can help farmers across eastern Africa regenerate their land and grow more food.

Donate and make double the impact today.

DonateNow

$29     $70     $168   

Photos: Farm Africa/Brian Ongoro.