PlantVillage’s Impact: Empowering Farmers with Soil Bunds and Biochar Fertilizer

 

 

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Leveraging the Power of Soil Bunds

In the face of harsh conditions and unpredictable weather, farmers in arid regions often struggle with soil erosion and poor crop yields. However, innovative practices like soil bund construction are turning these challenges into opportunities. By building soil bunds, farmers are preventing soil erosion and enhancing water retention, which is crucial for sustaining crops in drylands.

“Before embracing soil bunds and biochar fertilizer, both Stella and Jane faced significant challenges on their farms. Their lands, located in arid regions, were prone to severe soil erosion during heavy rains, which stripped away the topsoil, leaving the ground infertile and unable to retain moisture. The lack of water retention made it difficult for crops to survive in the harsh, dry climate, leading to poor yields and limited income. Additionally, the absence of soil fertility meant that their efforts to grow drought-tolerant crops were largely unsuccessful. These conditions made it challenging for Stella and Jane to provide for their families, with little surplus to sell or store, leaving them vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and food insecurity” Evans Kiprono, PlantVillage field extension officer

With the help of PlantVillage, farmers like Stella Lekakimon and Jane Lewatachum have embraced the soil bund construction technique.Stella Lekakimon, a widow from Salabani location in  Marigat, Baringo County, faced the harsh reality of farming in an arid region prone to soil erosion and drought. But with the guidance of PlantVillage, she decided to take a bold step towards change. Last year 2023, Stella constructed 33 soil bunds on her one acre land and planted Cenchrus ciliaris grass, a drought-tolerant species that thrives in arid conditions, using biochar fertilizer.

Stella now harvests bountiful hay, which she both sells and uses as feedstock for her livestock. She also collects and sells seeds to fellow community members.The income she earns has enabled her to provide for her family of 6, purchase essential home equipment, and pay school fees for her children. Recently, Stella celebrated a significant milestone—buying a goat with the profits from her hard work.

“I am very happy, now I harvest grass , store them in bales of hay, sell seeds to my community, and use the income to support my family and pay school fees. Buying a goat from my profits is just one of the milestones I’ve achieved.” Stella Lekakimon

Just like Stella, Jane Lewatachum, another farmer from the Salabani in Marigat , has embraced the opportunities provided by PlantVillage. Jane, who manages a one-acre farm with 32 soil bunds, also plants Cenchrus ciliaris grass and uses biochar fertilizer to enhance soil fertility and moisture retention.

Jane harvests seeds from the grass she grows and sells them to other farmers, extending the benefits of sustainable farming throughout her community. In addition to the grass, she cultivates beans and maize, creating a diverse and resilient farm that sustains her six children. By adopting soil bund construction and using biochar fertilizer, Jane's farm is thriving despite the challenges of the arid climate. Her success story, much like Stella’s, highlights the critical role these innovative practices play in helping farmers adapt to climate change.

“Using soil bunds and biochar, I’ve turned my farm into a success. Now, I sell seeds and grow different crops to support my family. This approach helps me handle the dry climate and keep my farm strong. Thank you, PlantVillage, for making this possible” Jane Lewatachum

Stella and Jane’s stories are examples of how PlantVillage is committed to training community members on the importance of climate-smart farming, especially in pastoralist communities where finding feedstock for livestock is a significant challenge. Through training, PlantVillage introduces the use of soil bunds, which help prevent soil erosion and create an ideal environment for grass to grow. Farmers are also trained in the production and application of biochar fertilizer, which significantly improves soil fertility.

As a result, farmers can harvest the thriving grass, store bales of hay, and sell them to other farmers, while also using the hay as feed for their livestock. The seeds harvested from the grass are also sold and used by locals to expand grass cultivation across more land. This approach not only boosts soil health and crop yields but also creates a sustainable source of income, strengthening the resilience and prosperity of the entire community.

Their journeys of resilience and prosperity serve as powerful reminders of what can be achieved when innovation meets determination. PlantVillage is proud to be a part of their success and will continue to support farmers like Stella and Jane in their quest for sustainable, climate-resilient farming.