Delicate balance of export agriculture and conservation

Samson Githinji, a horticulture farmer in Kiambogo village in Meru county tends his snow peas crop for the export market while conserving the environment.

In the foothills surrounding Mount Kenya, we caught up with Samson Githinji, a horticulture farmer in Kiambogo village in Meru County on his sprawling 20-acre farm. Githinji has transformed the landscape, cultivating snow peas destined for European markets.

Githinji’s farm not only thrives but also contributes to water conservation. Githinji proudly shared, “We tap water from natural sources and no longer use timber, ensuring both our crops and the surrounding habitat flourish.”

Emphasising the significance of sustainable practices, Githinji explained, “We use fertilisers and pesticides that don’t harm the land or its inhabitants. Our market connections not only provide us with seeds tailored to market demands but also offer essential guidance on soil quality and fertilisation.”

Githinji’s dedication is evident in his productivity; from one kilo of seeds, he harvests an impressive 300 kilos. Despite challenges such as fluctuating market prices and occasional droughts.

Githinji, like other farmers, now has reason to smile thanks to the Central Highlands Ecoregion Foodscape (CHEF) programme. The initiative by The Nature Conservancy is transforming the agricultural practices in the region.

The CHEF programme, initiated 16 months ago, has established 200 farmer hubs, bringing together approximately 30,000 smallholders from 12 counties, including Aberdare and Mount Kenya regions, Isiolo, and Samburu counties.

These hubs act as aggregation centres facilitating market access for farmers.

“Our goal is to reach 30,000 farmers by December, linking them to markets and enhancing their capacity. But our vision extends further. By 2030, we aim to empower 300,000 producers, both in livestock and crop farming, creating a self-sustaining impact on the environment and livelihoods,” revealed Michael Misiko Agriculture Director, African region at the Nature Conservancy,

Misiko stated, the program, initially funded with $3 million, is set to expand significantly.

Misako revealed, “We’re looking at a budget of around $20 million for the next five years. Private sector investments will play a substantial role in our growth. The governance mechanism, especially the farmer hubs, will receive a major portion of these investments, ensuring a coherent and impactful distribution of resources.”

John Maina avocado farmer from Mutethia village in Meru county, tends his crop for export agriculture while conserving the environment.

In the neighbouring Mutethia village, John Maina dug a 30-foot water pan, enabling rainwater harvesting during dry spells. With a newfound water source, Kobi ventured into avocado cultivation, partnering with fellow farmers and embracing drip irrigation techniques.

“We started with 10,000 seedlings, provided by the community initiative, and with careful nurturing, they have grown into thriving avocado trees,” Kobi shared. “With a ready market and proper guidance, we’re aiming to expand our avocado cultivation, offering a sustainable future for our community.”

Kobi emphasised the role of market access and community support, stating, “Now, we sell avocados by the kilo, ensuring fair profits for farmers. Each seedling fetches around Sh150 empowering local farmers and transforming our region.”

Ephantus Mwai, Another farmer said: “I planted 73 avocado trees on one acre. It’s been manageable, much easier than my previous attempts with maize and potatoes.”

Previously he faced a challenging period marked by low crop prices and unpredictable weather patterns, which made traditional farming unsustainable. Adding to his struggles, an occupational hazard left him in a wheelchair, drastically altering his life.

Derick Mureithi, the regional production manager of the avocado department, at Keitt Exporters, said: “We have been exporting avocados annually. Presently, our export capacity stands at more than 500 containers.”

Anticipating a future of growth, Mureith expressed confidence in the avocado market’s potential.

“We encourage farmers not to fear entering the avocado value chain. We’ve established robust markets, especially in Europe. Over the next decade, we project that avocado exporters will have the capacity to export over 2,000 containers annually,” Mureithi added.

Their primary market is in Europe, made inroads into the Middle East, the Far East, and this year entered the Chinese market.

“Specifically, our avocados are in demand in affluent countries like the Netherlands and Spain,” Mureithi said.

Magret Wamboi, Laikipia County’s crops officer, emphasised the collaborative efforts in implementing climate-smart agricultural technologies. “We must focus on agricultural practices that yield optimal results with minimal environmental impact,” Wamboi stated.

Wamboi highlighted the collaboration between farmers and environmental conservation. “Farmers understand the necessity of preserving the environment. We’re training them to maintain buffer zones, ensuring clean water flow and protecting both crops and wildlife,” Wamboi said.

Misiko stressed, “We are focusing on sustainable farming techniques that protect soils, reduce erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Simultaneously, we’re establishing sustainable markets, ensuring farmers not only earn but also contribute to a healthier environment.”

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