Blogs

In Milore, Ganze sub-county, a remarkable PlantVillage lead farmer is making waves with her unique approach to good agricultural practices. Cecilia Mupa, a dedicated and innovative farmer, has defied the odds by successfully practicing high-value crop farming in a region plagued by inadequate water supply. Her story is not only one of resilience but also a testament to the power of adaptation and community-driven success.

 

Cecilia's journey into high-value crop farming began with a significant setback of losing yields worth 25 bags of maize. Initially, she was a maize farmer, just like many others in her community. However, her agricultural aspirations were put to test when her one acre maize farm suffered substantial damage from stray elephants. Determined not to let adversity define her farming career, she made a strategic decision to switch to growing horticultural crops that are less appealing to elephant attacks because they are not conspicuous.

In the heart of Busia, Kenya, amidst the backdrop of National Tree Planting Day on November 13, 2023, I embarked on a journey to Tangakona, guided by the promise of learning from a remarkable individual. Armed with only a small clutch bag, a microphone, and a smartphone, I arrived at Monica Juma's lush homestead, eager to uncover the secrets of her success.

 

Monica's farm is a picturesque haven, where a thatched house nestled at the far end is embraced by a thriving boundary of trees. My mind drifts back to a day when the scorching sun in Busia had threatened to turn me into a block of charcoal. It was then that I sought refuge under a Grevillea tree on this very farm, and I knew that I would return.

PlantVillage officers in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) region of Kenya have distributed tree seedlings to 165 members of the pastoralist community in Samburu County.

 

The seedlings were sourced from the PlantVillage tree nursery located in Maralal, which was set up as a significant effort to help the communities in the ASALs deal with the effects of climate change.

The PlantVillage agroforestry team in Kenya is working on producing eco-friendly potting tubes as an alternative to plastic materials, an initiative that holds the promise of significant environmental conservation, an expansion of Kenya's forested areas, and the generation of employment opportunities for young individuals.

PlantVillage has embarked on training for pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) region of northern Kenya on the importance of tree care as a means to address the issue of climate change.

 

Led by Dorcas Kiprop, an agroforestry officer, PlantVillage has successfully established 12 groups spanning the counties of Baringo, Samburu, and Turkana. These groups have brought together more than 50 pastoralists, providing them with education on a method that not only transforms their landscape but also ensures a continuous supply of fodder for their livestock.

 

“The practice of Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a technique used to help local communities restore their natural environment. It involves the systematic pruning and management of remaining vegetation in agricultural, pastoral, and communal lands,” explained Kiprop.

Working alongside Morans, PlantVillage Kenya has executed a number of projects, including tree planting, livestock disease surveillance and water harvesting, to assist communities in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) region grappling with the effects of climate change.

PlantVillage Kenya's Kilifi team recently embarked on an exciting journey across the country to assess various agricultural projects that are helping to transform the farming landscape.

The team, comprised of agronomy and agroforestry experts, covered a wide range of agricultural domains during their expedition including horticulture, dairy farming, agroforestry, agronomy, and parasitoid rearing. They visited Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Kisumu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Baringo counties, where they had the opportunity to interact with farmers, researchers, and innovators working tirelessly to improve Kenya's agriculture sector.

In a world where sustainable food production and unity are essential, PlantVillage stands as a shining example of how a diverse and interdependent community can come together to address pressing global challenges.

 

As we celebrate the International Day of the People of African Descent, it's important to recognize the pivotal role that PlantVillage plays in supporting food security and fostering a sense of togetherness within the African diaspora.

 

PlantVillage, an organization deeply committed to the principles of collaborative effort and shared responsibility, embodies the essence of the phrase It takes a village. Its mission to promote and enhance food production on a global scale is closely aligned with the values of unity and community spirit celebrated on this special day.

The PlantVillage team in Baringo County, Kenya, is empowering locals to combat the invasive Prosopis juliflora and converting it into valuable biochar. This eco-friendly biochar is now enriching the soil, enabling the cultivation of nutrient-rich grass for livestock feed and sale.

As we mark International Humanitarian Day 2023, under the banner "It takes a village", PlantVillage proudly showcase it’s strategies to uplift the living standards of individuals, transcending social boundaries.

 

Through impactful initiatives such as Agroforestry, Warrior View, and Biochar, PlantVillage aims to elevate livelihoods by fostering employment opportunities and vital skills, enabling individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.

 

Among these, the agroforestry program stands out as a resounding success. This initiative offers training and assistance to local communities in establishing and managing tree nurseries, creating employment avenues, and contributing to environmental enhancement through tree planting.

 

Linet Amoi stands as a testament to the positive impact of PlantVillage's agroforestry program. 

 

"Our lives (Linet and her husband) were a struggle before we joined PlantVillage," reveals Amoi, a former casual worker at PlantVillage's Machakusi nursery in Busia County.