Author - Graduate Farmer

Listen to the Profitable Voice of the Farm

Land is regarded as Africa’s most valuable asset. Land is also a unique factor of production as it is constant in supply it being God-made. Sustainable land management practices are called for to counter new challenges rising from urbanization, mining, deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. With nearly 60 percent of Africa’s population residing in rural areas and the large majority being youths, the poor participation of young people in farming and the agricultural economy must be seen as a matter of grave concern to all. African farmers are aging and there is no conscious succession planning and therefore increasingly fewer qualified mentors to pass on knowledge and skills to the new and constantly growing generation. With Kenya as our case study, more focus is on turning productive land into residential areas. In addition, millennials deem farming dirty, outdated and a poor man’s job. Agriculture is an image problem and its image must be made over. Not all hope is lost as the rising trending agripreneurship among youth is being marketed in television shows such as Kenya’s Blaze be your own boss season 2. Having done a degree in Agricultural Resource Management, I want to present my “agriculture enthusiast” point of view that will tune you to listen to the profitable voice of the farm. :) There is a global uprising set towards placing agriculture and youth at the center of policy and investment, with more young people having access to resources, skills, land, and capital for a decent livelihood in agriculture. On 7th June 2018, the Kenyan government signed a 3 billion shillings financing deal for youth in agribusiness in a bid to support the youths’ ideas. The fund will be used to support an agribusiness program that will offer training and low-cost credit to University Degree and Diploma graduate students. The fund is to go into creating incubation centers offering cheap loan to graduates and financing the setting up of model farms. To further create employment, every graduate will be expected to employ at least 10 people. I urge every Kenyan youth with the requirements to seize the opportunity, head to Agricultural Finance Corporation offices and enroll in this life-changing program. Microfinancing institutions are also investing in youth agribusiness loan facilities. Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) is looking for young farmers growing white sorghum (Gadam and Silo varieties) to be used in the manufacture of low-end beer like the Senator Keg. KBL will provide fast-maturing seeds, free extension services, and stable prices. KBL assures farmers of getting up to 18 bags per acre after 3 months earning Ksh 32 per Kg for white sorghum. The campaign has already kicked off in Western Kenya thus engaging youth in profitable employment.KBL is set to open a Ksh 15 billion keg brewery in Kisumu in July. The land issue has now been countered by technological advancements in aeroponics and hydroponics. I am currently in a youth farmers group under KCB Tujiajiri program on hydroponics which is preceded by a free three months training program. Trust me, these two techniques are pretty cool and make farming less of a dirty job. Cooperative societies are a brilliant way of youth venturing into agripreneurship as loans for farmer groups are quite subsidized. Knowledge is power and information technology has made information on agriculture easily available. Research is at our disposal on Kenyan websites such as Graduate Farmer, Kuza Hub, Shamba Shape Up. E-commerce sites such as Mkulima Young, Nafis website in Kenya and Esoko Ghana Commodity index have provided targeted marketing opportunities for products produced by young agripreneurs. Technological inventions that counter exogenous factors of agriculture (such as variable climate) include mathematics revolution, automation, sensing revolution and next-generation plant-breeding for maize. These technologies are part of the smart agriculture I call on my fellow youths to delve into. Evidently, fellows, agriculture is quite multifaceted and cool for any eager beaver. Technological advancement in agriculture show prospects for upward mobility and smart agribusiness lucrative earnings offering a promise of “youthful trendy lifestyles” otherwise offered in blue-collar jobs. The future is indeed green. Fabian Kibet from Marakwet studied media but is fully into horticulture; using his savings to buy his first tomato seedlings and his father’s half-acre farm. After four months of intense farming and setbacks such as pests and diseases, he sold his first product to hotels and supermarkets earning Sh 200,000 profit. He has expanded his project into indigenous vegetables such as managu, kales earning sh.10,000 per week, which goes up on high demand. This is devoid of the tomatoes, passion fruits and fish farming he does. “In farming, timing is everything. A farmer must know when to plant, harvest and hit the market”. Kibet shares. This is what he had for us complaining about unemployment, “Be open-minded and look beyond the office. Stop being choosy and be ready to soil your hands. Farming pays.” Agribusiness is an investment venture that requires a lot of buffering and foresight for it to succeed. It is advised for one to build a cash cushion of 3-6 months of business expenses before you start generating an income. Farming is a demanding and risky profession that calls for business management skills, hands-on crop and livestock farming experience, maintenance of soil fertility-given that land is agriculture’s major factor of production. A lot of education, research and training are needed if we seek to evolve into a more profitable agricultural economy. Farming calls for a lot of hard work, patience, and strategy. Ignorance of these facts has led to many people giving up on farming altogether. Human population growth is globally on the rise given the proper health care, therefore, mastery in agriculture is a gold-mine Africa is slowly unearthing. It takes many iterations for one success. I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds.

Tree Tomatoes are easy to grow and in great demand

Finding the right crop for you to grow is not a simple matter. With so many options out there, it's easy for you to choose crops which can give you a headache and mess up your plans. Good news is, there are certain crops that grow easily in Kenya and have steady demands and market value. Such a crop is the Tree Tomato The tree tomato is a shallow-rooted tree that can reach a height of 6 meters. The wood is brittle and the trees are short-lived, usually lasting from 12 to 15 years. The best variety for Kenya is Red Oratia The tree tomato is a subtropical plant, meaning it grows very well in Kenya. The plants grow best in a lightly compacted soil with good drainage. The roots will not tolerate standing water, which may kill the tree in a matter of days. Protection from wind is essential for these shallow-rooted trees. Brittle branches are also susceptible to winds, especially when full of fruits. Some farmers graft tree tomatoes onto bugweed (Muthakwa shrub) gives it the necessary root system and support in to tackle strong winds.

Propagation

  • An acre accommodates about 1,200 trees.
  • Seeds need to be planted in a nursery for 54 days until they are an average height of 2-6 inches, after which you transplant them to the farm.
  • During the planting stage dig holes measuring 1.5 feet deep, put the topsoil on one side and the subsoil on the other. The distance from one plant to the next should be 1metre feet and space between one row and the next should be 2 meters.
  • Mix one and a half wheelbarrow of well-prepared compost manure with two spadefuls of topsoil to plant the seedlings. Leave a shallow depression in every plant for placing the mulching material.
  • Only 1 foot of the tree tomato seedling should be buried while planting just enough to cover the root hairs.
  • Apply mulch, and never forget to irrigate. Tree tomatoes get stressed quickly when they have no water.

Fertilization

To maintain healthy growth, tree tomatoes require continuous fertilization. Mix farmyard manure with water and apply as slurry and apply in the shallow depression around the plant once every two months.

Harvest

  • The tomato tree plants will bear fruits after 8 months. It is considered advisable to sacrifice the first year’s crop to strengthen the root system and develop the plant.
  • At the fruit-bearing stage, tree tomatoes need support to prevent branches from breaking when laden with fruits.

Yield

You can get 10-20 kg of fruit per tree per year. 1 Kg of the fruit ranges between Ksh 60 - Ksh 80.

Diseases and Pests

Tree tomatoes are fairly resistant to most diseases and pests. However, its always best to use pesticides and fungicides weekly or biweekly for prevention. Diseases that might affect Tree tomatoes are;
  • Powdery mildew
  • Potato virus
  • Cucumber mosaic virus
  • Blight

Food uses and nutrition

  • Can be used as a substitute for tomatoes, cut fresh in salads served sweetened in desserts or added to spicy sauces.
  • Can be made into juice.
  • Eaten as a fruit.

Ezra Muinde: Agriculture pays and foots the bills

AnziaSokoni is Swahili to mean start from the marketplace. This is an initiative and a running agribusiness venture run by one very daring Mr. Ezra Muinde. Ezra,who has a background in Actuarial Science, decided to jump into the agribusiness and try out his luck. Ezra is a young Kenyan agripreneur and trends on twitter via his mantra #AnziaSokoni. I hunted him down to find out more about his venture and what makes him tick. The conversation was great, I learnt a lot. This is what he had to say. Who is Ezra Muinde? Ezra Muinde is an Actuarial Scientist and a farmer who believes that everyone has a role to play in the agricultural sector. You don't have to necessarily till the soil to be in this sector. The Agricultural value chain is wide enough to accommodate everyone; from planting to consuming farm produce. I am a firm believer of the fact that we cannot satisfy the insatiable appetite of food in a world where we all depend on food at least three times a day. What triggered your interest in Agriculture? Aha, Agriculture needs us all. If you don’t farm you’ll definitely consume. Some of us will have to farm for individual financial growth and to feed others. Some of you will have to consume our farm produce to live while keeping our Agribusiness running. They might mention some other profession as being classy, but to me farming is. What infact triggered me into farming is the opportunity to grow financially while providing consumers with nutritious food. I didn’t start farming by actually disturbing the soil. I started off by finding a way to solve our market issue. That is how I discovered a satisfying career that makes souls smile while pocketing some dollars haha. It's interesting how you point out financial growth as what triggered your interest. This is quite contrary to common opinion, “Agriculture is a poor-man’s job.” Would you say that actual farming actually pays? Agribusiness is the exchange of food for money. I have seen farming foot bills, I have seen farming feed farmers’ pockets lucratively. I can say farming pays if you package farming as a business. If only you can understand when to harvest, who consumes, what quality they consume and basically their consumption behavior; then you can confidently say farming pays. We all depend on food at least three times a day. Being able to produce and sell food is a viable career. Agribusiness converts food into monetary value; in that sense I can confidently say that farming pays. Describe to us what AnziaSokoni is. AnziaSokoni started off as my social media campaign for market-driven agriculture late September 2018. As at now, it is a sole proprietor company. I am a firm believer that if you are to make it in Agribusiness you first need to understand your consumers behavior. At AnziaSokoni, my main objective is to train farmers to become farming traders. Agribusiness assumes the objective of making profit. I believe that farmers, being the center of the agribusiness value chain, need to maximize their profits. My ultimate goal on this objective is to see farmers hedge out brokers by becoming agri-preneurs. Farming is a profession that requires skills and knowledge like any other profession. Any entrepreneur who wants to invest into farming needs to understand the market first prior to planting. AnziaSokoni’s pride is for farmers to plant with a buyer in mind.
muinde farm
Ezra doing market training on a farm in Kajiado County, Kenya. Lady starting out tomato farming and seeking advice on market dynamics. She is currently doing tomatoes on large scale.
That's an amazing business model Mr. Ezra. I must say this is quite a farmer-centric organization. Briefly walk us through the journey towards propagating, sprouting and flourishing this masterpiece; AnziaSokoni. What have been your experiences? What lessons have you learnt? Before I started AnziaSokoni, I was working in microfinance. When I saw the opportunity in Agribusiness, I resigned to tap into it. It is not easy to leave a monthly salary for entrepreneurship, but passion keeps me going. Transition into farming has been one of my greatest achievement. However, I can confidently say that lighting up a business requires more than just an idea. It involves intensive investment in terms of capital, skills and knowledge. There are no easy days in agribusiness. We wake up to deal with different problems everyday. I classify farming into three segments; purchase of inputs, agronomic support and selling the farm produce. I saw an opportunity in selling food. That is how I birthed AnziaSokoni; then a market driven farming initiative to advocate on farming with a buyer in mind. In Actuarial Science we say that there is always a trend. In my opinion, farmers really need to understand consumers behavior before they start farming. The greatest lesson I have learned while interacting with farmers is that we need farmer-oriented solutions. We don’t need to hold conferences in five star hotels only to come up with pitch-centric projects. Splendid. You’re right on track sir. For the farmers, by the farmers. What, in your insights and foresights, would you describe as the ideal Kenyan government agribusiness value chain activities? I envision agribusiness as a profession that pulls all other profession into realizing SDG 2, Zero Hunger. We just need to identify an opportunity and add value to our farm produce. Agribusiness is becoming the greatest wealth creation venture. How is it possible that a graduate can convince someone to buy an insurance policy but cannot convince someone to buy food? Marketing agricultural produce should be the easiest, it’s a basic need selling itself. As a farmer, we need to stop treating harvesting as an emergency. Market scouting should be consistent. Being a youth agripreneur, do you have any parting shots for youths seeking to venture into agribusiness? Agribusiness pays and foots the bills but only if you treat Agriculture as an investment portfolio. Don’t start up farming because of the information you’ve gotten from social media. Don’t start up farming because your neighbor bought a probox. Start up farming because you plan on generating revenue. Having an idea is fantastic, but having the capital to execute that idea is way better. Yes, we need to start small but your small needs to sustain that start up. Choosing to feed people is a great profession but make sure you make money out of it. Anziasokoni. agribusiness flow chart

Kabete Organics: How we do organic farming

I recently had the opportunity to connect with the co-owner of Kabete Organics Farm through social media, specifically Twitter. What intrigued me about this particular farm was their commitment to organic farming. As I browsed through their social media profiles, I couldn't help but notice the numerous orders from satisfied customers and the frequent referrals on their Twitter wall. It became evident that Kabete Organics Farm had managed to establish a reputation that spoke for itself. Intrigued and impressed, I decided to book an appointment with the young co-owner, Mr. Nzioka Onzere, after a couple of postponements.

Kabete Organics Farm: Where organic vegetables meet social media success

Located within the Nairobi Children’s Recreation Center in Lower Kabete, on a main road leading to the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Center (KAGR), lies Kabete Organics Farm. Spanning across one acre of lush land, this farm primarily focuses on vegetable cultivation, with a special emphasis on indigenous varieties. Among the vegetables they grow are amaranthus (Terere), African Nightshade (Managu), cowpea leaves (Kunde), stinging nettle, cauliflower, amaranth (Mchicha), and Collard Greens (Kanzera), among others.

In addition to vegetables, Kabete Organics Farm also cultivates a variety of herbs and spices such as mint, beetroot, and neem, which they source from an out-grower. Furthermore, the farm boasts a small banana plantation and utilizes the sprinkler method for irrigation. Witnessing Nzioka in action as he harvested orders for the next delivery, I knew it was the perfect time to engage in a conversation. Intrigued by the farm's offerings, I promptly placed an order for a bunch of their organically grown Kanzera, priced at an affordable forty shillings.

Unveiling Kabete Organics Farm: A social media-powered organic farming gem

Curiosity got the better of me as I inquired about the farm's origins. Nzioka revealed that Kabete Organics Farm was not a venture that sprouted overnight. It was an idea that took shape after an entire year of dedicated research. Naturally, I questioned the reason for such a lengthy preparation period. In a world where information is readily available on platforms like Google, why wait an entire year to kickstart a business? Nzioka emphasized the importance of market research, which proved to be the foundation of their thriving business model.

The farmers at Kabete Organics Farm identified a niche for organically grown indigenous vegetables. They delved into the scientific aspects of growing these leafy greens organically, secured a suitable piece of land, estimated costs, and identified a strong customer base. According to Nzioka, "We already had a ready market even before our first harvest, given the healthy lifestyle Nairobians are adopting by going organic. That one year was the foundation of our effective business model that runs by itself due to a ready and reliable market."

Organic farming at its best: Exploring Kabete Organics Farm through social media

One of the distinctive aspects of Kabete Organics Farm is their dedication to using organic methods throughout their operations. The Kanzera vegetable, for instance, requires specific seedlings that are not readily available in regular agrovets. However, the farm has established a reliable supplier for these seeds and others. The Kanzera crop takes approximately three weeks to mature and harvest, and it is known for its regenerative nature.

As I walked through the farm's gateway, I couldn't help but notice a heap of compost manure. This served as their reliable fertilizer, further highlighting their commitment to organic practices. To manage pests and diseases, Kabete Organics Farm employs organic pesticides derived from natural sources such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, and neem oil, which is obtained from neem plants grown within the farm. This holistic approach to pest and disease management creates a balanced ecosystem where even bugs, such as ladybirds, play a beneficial role.

While observing the farm's bustling activity, a passing truck caught Nzioka's attention. He asked me if it was already 5 pm, to which I replied that it was fifteen minutes to five. He explained that the truck's daily passage served as their time indicator. It was a reminder of the farm's busy schedule, which sometimes made it challenging for Nzioka to keep up with social media and order scheduling. I found it fascinating how he managed to balance the intensive and enjoyable farm work with the demands of maintaining an online presence.

According to Nzioka, Kabete Organics Farm has developed a streamlined operating system. Customers are required to place their orders one day in advance, allowing the farm to guide them on whether the vegetables are ready for harvest or if they need a few more days. This ensures that customers receive fresh, just-harvested vegetables delivered right to their doorsteps. Delivery fees are based on the distance covered, with a bunch of vegetables priced at forty shillings attracting a delivery fee of Ksh. 150 for destinations like Uthiru.

Nzioka further explained their daily routine, sharing, "I close the entry of orders by midday and then focus on farming and deliveries in the afternoon. At the moment, I'm busy harvesting and packing for tomorrow's deliveries. Some orders will be delivered as late as 7 pm when our loyal customers are settled at home after work." In addition to the vegetable offerings, the farm also caters to a high-end customer base for herbs, spices, and even packaged salads, showcasing their commitment to providing a diverse range of fresh produce.

Before we concluded our conversation, Nzioka left me with a piece of advice: "Don't give up on any farming venture. It is a learning process, and I'm glad we are finally getting the hang of it as Kabete Organics." When I asked if he desired more customers, his eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as he expressed that expanding the customer base is the ultimate satisfaction for every farmer—seeing their market grow.

In conclusion, Kabete Organics Farm stands out as a unique mama-mboga store, offering fresher and better produce. Their journey into organic farming, fueled by social media, has enabled them to connect with customers who value healthy lifestyles and organic options. For those interested, you can find more about Kabete Organics Farm on their Twitter handle, @kabeteOrganic. Embark on a journey to discover the flavors and benefits of organic vegetables cultivated with passion and care at Kabete Organics Farm.

All youths need to read this before getting into farming

In an era of high youth unemployment rate and tough economic times in Kenya, the educated youths have resulted in doing their own businesses thus the entrepreneurship craze. Startups in Kenya are mostly copy-pasted; with consumer trends dictating where entrepreneurs choose to invest. Agribusiness ventures are usually the ones hit hard by trends that come and go. Remember the quail’s trend, the yogurt value addition craze and now the avocado seedling supply to farmers with a promised China market? The problem with most agribusiness opportunities is the lack of a top-down approach. Commercial farmers should base their production strategy on market demands, have a ready market for which to supply before embarking on any farming activity. Information asymmetry, farmers lacking information on markets, is what brings about exploitation by middlemen. Youths looking to venture into agribusiness and more so become entrepreneurs need to realize that farming is a business.  Let’s think of agribusiness as a game of chess and access to information is the queen. The following steps might come in handy as you prepare to start your new farming venture.

Market research

Undertaking market research entails knowing who your target market is, their dietary requirements, the gaps in the existing markets, your advantage over competitors and how can you maximize on your resources. The youth know and understand how the internet works. The internet holds the bulk of information which gives the youth an edge over the old generation. Their tech-savviness is their super-power. Market research entails keeping up to date with the trends in the agriculture sector. This entails a lot of reading, following up with current affairs not only in agriculture but also in trade, nutrition and other affiliated ministries and tracking policies that support agriculture production. Now youtube is my best friend and WiFi a formidable enabler in getting updates in the agriculture space. Youtube channels such as Citizen Live, Shamba Shape-up,  Seeds of Gold, Farmers Tv, Agriculture Life, Advancing eco-agriculture among many others. Graduate Farmer and other online information platforms also provide insights on farming and hacks by different youths in the sector.

Business Model Canvas

This is basically a business plan that is pictorial and segmented into the key elements of running a successful business. It is important to feed into these elements when thinking of venturing into agripreneurship after identifying the target market and commodity/service to offer.

Capital Investment

Agriculture is a risky business by nature and running it without proper capital investments is aiming for doom. Since agriculture is a gamble with nature, nature can take its course. Information is power and you need to consider the following;
  1. Market prices- inflation, stock exchange among others.
  2. Input prices-seed, machinery, pesticides
  3. Land prices whether leasing or doing contractual farming
  4. Enabler activities such as packaging, fueling of machinery, marketing through social media
  5. Administrative cost such as levies in the County governments CESS and Market place levies. Another additional administrative cost is your business registration, licensing and taxes.
In conclusion, agribusiness is not only about farming but also support services to farming activities. Before starting a business, consider having capital adequate enough to run it smoothly for six consecutive months. If you are passionate about making money in the soil and are not as loaded, pick the low hanging fruits as a starter. Vegetables especially indigenous vegetables, spices like coriander, herbs and poultry farming-these value chains are short term yielders and are on high demand as a must-have in daily Kenyan diets. Successful agribusiness is a journey of trial and error. Persistence and precision is the game.

The future needs farmers who think like businessmen

Who is a farmer in Kenya? A farmer is anyone who cultivates crops and rears animals either for subsistence use or for commercial use. In short, farming is not a dirty hobby but a viable business. In Kenya, a farmer is the most hardworking individual and yet one of the most underpaid. The marketing structure of the agriculture sector is mired with information asymmetry and many value chain actors. This results in farmer exploitation by middlemen. Not all small farms can hope to succeed as commercial farms in the future. Those that can need the right kinds of business support. Those who are unlikely to succeed as commercial farmers need different types of assistance. Smallholder commercial farmers are successfully linked to value chains and run their farms on a business basis. Small farms in transition have favorable non-farm opportunities and obtain much of their income from non-farm sources. Subsistence –oriented small farms frequently sell small amounts of produce at harvest to obtain cash income. Most of such earnings go into day-to-day utilities with no long term monetary investments. Optimizing the role of producer organizations in promoting the integration of smallholders into agricultural value chain is the game changer to the intermediation of small scale agriculture. A working example of the power of smallholder producer organizations is the Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative in Kiambu County. It functions as a demand-driven and market-oriented business organization. The success of producer organizations heavily lies in access to technical, commercial, and financial resources necessary to position their members as credible business partners. Kenya has a myriad of mobile applications with diverse agricultural information concerning good agricultural practices, market access, pest and disease control, access to inputs and farm machinery that has enabled e-extension to the producer groups.  ICT has helped overcome the physical, infrastructural and institutional obstacles facing smallholders that would otherwise prove impossible from integrating into the globalizing and modernizing value chains. We farmers can also get updates on market trends, track possible market price changes and prepare adequately that is through one-tap access to the stock exchange. Farming should start by identifying a reliable market for the produce. For youths looking to cultivate the land for profit-making, the best approach is to focus on the low-hanging fruits.  Growing short-term crops such as vegetables, especially indigenous vegetables and tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices enable the youth to harvest after a short season and sell. The rapid transformation of staple food value chains and rise in urbanization presents considerable market opportunities for us farmers as producers. Increase in consumer awareness on matters of food safety and the tastes and preferences for healthy eating are not to be underscored when choosing to venture into agricultural production. The land is a major factor of production and only keeps depreciating in amounts. Venturing into soilless farming is necessary to counter the land pressure while producing food for the urban dwellers. Farmers also need to utilize their land well, indicate the plots, varieties grown and even labeling harvests accordingly. This is also in the vein of enabling traceability of the final product from consumer to the original farm to enhance the food safety aspect in farming. In addition to conservative land use, reducing food waste from farm to consumer through proper packaging and transportation to markets will also contribute to a reduction in post-harvest losses. Much is said about crop husbandry forgetting that livestock keeping is also a viable agribusiness venture especially with the rise in Kenyan Arid and Semi-arid lands. Kenyan policymakers and practicing farmers need to critically consider rebalancing the livestock component of future diets. Water is the key enabler in agricultural production. The farmers need to shift from over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture, especially with the recent experience of prolonged drought and subsequent crop failure. The government has in its Food and Nutrition Security pillar of the Big Four Agenda, invested in irrigation schemes and construction of water pans. These are to expand the water resources used for agricultural production. We as farmers need to hold the government accountable for the running and sustenance of such huge investments; as is our constitutional right. Information is power. Familiarizing with the many agriculture initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture should be as common as pest and disease control in promoting viable agribusiness enterprises. Farming is no longer business as usual. We have to be up to date with market concerns, cost of running a business from input purchase to market delivery, Food safety standards, Climate Smart and conservation agricultural practices. Farming is a risky business that requires precision, research, and documentation. Register your farm as a business, manage it as a business, and watch yourself earning more than any other business venture. Smallholders now need to become credible business partners with other value chain operators. Only then can we enjoy the well-deserved fruits of our labor.

All You Need to Know About Turkey Farming

Turkey or “Kulu Kulu” as some people in Kenya like to call them are mainly raised for meat. They are indigenous to North and South America and were brought to Kenya by the colonial administration in the 18th century. Turkeys are usually ready to sell for meat when they reach 16 to 20 weeks. Farmers also use Turkeys to hatch chicken eggs due to their high hatching rates. They are rarely kept for the production of eggs through their eggs are edible.

There are two main types of turkeys found in Kenya. These are:

  1. The black medium-large turkey- Mature females can reach up to 6-8 kilograms while the males reach 12-16 kilograms
  2. The speckled or white turkey- These are much smaller birds with mature females reaching 4-6 kilograms and mature male reaching 8-10 kilograms.

The small-breasted turkeys are more fertile, productive and make better brooders/mothers.

turkey
Photo: Monitor UG

Factors to consider before getting into Turkey farming in Kenya

Housing

Turkey requires double the space required for the same number of chickens. The brooding area should always have a heating source during the first four weeks. Young turkeys are weaned off heat gently and carefully over several days. Observe your flock closely to see any odd behavior. When birds are huddled together it indicates inadequate heat. Ideally, the birds should spread out over the space provided.

You can add wood shavings or chopped straw on the housing floor six weeks onwards. The house size is based on the maximum weight of birds to be in the house at any time. Birds should not be stocked at rates greater than 20 kg per square meter. Extensive management of turkey requires the establishment of well managed fenced pasture having ranged shelter.

Feeding

Take note of the following feeding routine for turkeys under an intensive system:

  • Turkey Starter Diet: 0 – 8 weeks.
  • Turkey Grower Diet: 8 – 16 weeks.
  • Turkey Finisher Diet: 16 – 20 weeks.
  • Turkey Roaster Diet: 20 weeks of age.

Turkeys can be sold for meat any time from 16 weeks of age.

Routine Management

Debeaking (Beak Trimming)

The young flock should be debeaked to control feather pecking and cannibalism, most especially when they are to be raised in confinement. Debeaking is done at 10 days of age to prevent cannibalism.

Desnooding

The removal of the snood, the tubular fleshy appendage on top of the head near the front, is referred to as “desnooding”. It helps to prevent injuries that might result from picking or fighting. The snood can be removed at day-old by thumbnail and finger pressure. After about 3 weeks, it can be cut off close to the head with sharp, pointed scissors.

Toe Clipping

This is the removal of toenails usually done at the hatchery, but it can also be done at 5 weeks old. Turkeys kept in large groups, especially when excited, often step on each other causing scratches or skin tears on the backs and sides. Also, Toe Clipping helps to prevent back-scratching and tearing of flesh during mating. The problem is aggravated with increased flock sizes and densities, especially when turkeys are reared in confinement. Toes can be cut with surgical scissors, a nail clipper or a modified hot-blade debeaker.

Wing Clipping

These are practiced when the birds are placed on range usually at 15 weeks of age to prevent flight.

Health Management

Turkeys are susceptible to diseases, indicating that they require a much higher level of management and skill than other domestic fowls.

There are four primary causes of disease which include genetics, nutrition, environment, and infection. Bio-security must be a priority to control infectious disease and minimize the introduction of pathogens into flocks. Biosecurity is the utilization of measures which can stop or slow down the introduction and spread of infection into or between components of production systems. It includes managing people, equipment, pests and their potential for carrying diseases into a flock. Mortality disposal should be part of the bio-security protocol.

Diseases

Some common diseases of turkeys include Blackhead (Histomoniasis), Newcastle disease, Erysipelas, Fowl cholera, Fowlpox, and Haemorrhagic enteritis.

Parasites

As in other poultry species such as chickens, parasites affect the turkeys by causing discomfort or significant mortalities in birds, thus reducing the birds’ productivity levels. Fowl mite and roundworms are a very common internal parasite. A regular, once-a-month deworming with an appropriate dewormer will reduce roundworms to a harmless level.

Market

There is an increase in demand for turkey meat in Kenya as they are considered tastier than chicken.  You can sell turkey meat in supermarkets, hotels and local butcheries. Turkey meat demand will continue increasing because people are leaving red meat due to health complications brought by them.

Ask around your local hotels and supermarkets to find out if they are interested in buying a turkey from you.

Conclusion

Turkey farming can be a profitable and rewarding business. If you are interested in raising turkeys, be sure to do your research and learn as much as you can about the business. With a little effort, you can be successful in raising turkeys in Kenya.

Here are some additional tips for raising turkeys in Kenya:

  • Start with a small flock. This will help you to learn the ropes of turkey farming and to manage your costs.
  • Choose the right breed of turkey for your needs. There are many different breeds of turkeys available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose a breed that is suited to your climate and your needs.
  • Provide your turkeys with a safe and comfortable place to live. The housing should be large enough for the turkeys to spread out and have plenty of space to move around. The housing should also be well-ventilated and dry.
  • Feed your turkeys a balanced diet. Turkeys need a diet that includes a variety of grains, vegetables, and fruits. You can buy commercial turkey feed or make your own. If you make your own feed, be sure to include a source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Provide your turkeys with clean, fresh water at all times. Turkeys need access to clean, fresh water at all times. You can use a waterer or a bowl to provide water for your turkeys.
  • Monitor your turkeys for signs of illness. Turkeys are susceptible to a number of diseases. You can help to prevent diseases by keeping your turkeys healthy and by vaccinating them against common diseases. If you notice any signs of illness, be sure to take your turkeys to the veterinarian.
  • Market your turkeys. There is a growing demand for turkey meat in Kenya. You can sell your turkeys to local butchers, supermarkets, or restaurants. You can also sell turkey eggs.

With a little effort, you can be successful in raising turkeys in Kenya.

How to grow and manage grass for maximum nutritional value

The grass is the most affordable source of feed for most livestock businesses. Grass provides livestock with vitamins and minerals which boost growth and milk production. Grass can grow in most soils in Kenya making it readily available and convenient. However, green grass on the fields is not always readily available due to drought, etc hence the need for farmers to make hay. Hay is green grass (or any perishable forage) that has been cut and dried to be stored for use as animal fodder, particularly for cattle, goats, sheep, and other farm animals that eat hay. Making hay enables you to safely store and easily transport livestock fodder without danger of spoilage, while keeping its’ nutrient loss to a minimum. Hay gives livestock an upper hand as they can still maintain their milk or animal production during the dry season. The benefits of hay are as clear as rain but making it requires a lot of considerations. If you do not follow the right steps, your hay might get spoilt and you will lose time and money.

You need to grow and harvest hay at the right time

Timing is crucial. Growing grass might be easy but if you do not follow the right growing guidelines you will end up making loses. Farmers need to grow hay at the right time so that the harvest period coincides with the right weather. Do not harvest your hay during the rainy season. Hay needs to be harvested when there is no rainfall around the corner. Sugars and fructans are water-soluble, so if the hay is rained on (or soaked in water), the overall non-structural carbohydrate (i.e. sugar) content will be reduced. Hay should be harvested when the plant is still young.  When you cut the grass when mature, their lignin content increases and traps the nutrients within indigestible cell walls. Forage crops produce more yield as they mature but nutritive value and palatability decrease at first bloom or heading (anthesis stage), so good hay must be harvested to balance the best quantity with quality.

Select good grass varieties 

Select grass varieties that have the most leaves. An example of good grass varieties that do well is Boma Rhodes grass and Brachiaria grass. Good hay retains as many leaves as possible since the leaves contain 2/3 of the protein. Harvest the crop at the best stage for maximum nutritive value and yield. The adaptation of a grass variety, or its potential longevity in the field, is determined greatly by genetic cold-hardiness traits, and its tolerance of other sites, soil, and use conditions. When selecting a forage species, or several species for use in a seed mixture, first consider their appropriateness for the intended use (e.g pasture, hay, etc.) and for the expected longevity. Among the other factors affect the suitability of a forage species are:
  • Soil pH level
  • Drought tolerance
  • Soil drainage
  • Fertilizer nutrient requirements
  • Intensity
  • Harvest or grazing

Green colour shows quality

Green hay is more attractive to livestock. It is also an indication that the hay is rich in vitamin A. Bleached colour on hay indicates exposure to a lot of sun or rain. This means your hay has an oxidation of vitamin A and other essential nutrients are still available. Nevertheless, any type of hay needs to be supplemented with an appropriate vitamin-mineral mix.

Good storage is everything when it comes to hay

Hay storage losses vary greatly depending upon several factors, but storage technique is of utmost importance. Losses of dry hay stored inside a barn are usually of little concern. However, even for barn stored hay, losses rise sharply as moisture levels increase above 20 percent. Quality hay should be baled between 13 and 17 percent moisture. Hay over 18 percent is at risk of molding, and this poses a huge risk. The most important things to look for in a hay storage site are good ventilation, protection against moisture. Virtually all feeds have some mold spores. The presence of excessive mold if inhaled by the animals may cause coughing, heaves or allergic reactions. Before purchasing hay, be sure to inspect the inside of at least one bale. Never store hay near any flammable materials or objects that may be a source of heat, such as tractors or other farm machinery. Similarly, hay should be stacked on wooden pallets or tires to allow air to circulate underneath and reduce contact with any damp surfaces. The bottom layer of bales should be stacked on their sides, with the twine facing sideways instead of upward. The unevenness of the surface promotes air circulation which reduces the chance of mold growth. Although the greatest risk occurs during the first two weeks after the hay has been stored, spontaneous combustion can remain a possibility for up to two months. Hay should be monitored daily for heat for at least two weeks, longer if you suspect the hay was wet when baled

Feeding Livestock

Cattle can waste up to 50 percent of hay fed. It can be a challenge to know the best methods for feeding. While it is impossible to eliminate all waste, keeping the above considerations in mind and working to minimize waste by cattle after feeding can help you get the most out of your hay supply. It is also important to keep bales directly off the ground, so they don’t wick moisture, and selecting an open area away from trees for stacking bales; this will help to dry following wet periods. 

Solutions towards progressive agriculture policies

The Agriculture and Food Authority Act No. 13 of 2013 consolidates the laws on the regulation and promotion of agriculture; it establishes the Agriculture and Food Authority, AFA (the authority which is the regulator), and makes provision for the respective roles of the national and county governments in agriculture (excluding livestock), as per the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ministry of Agriculture has not developed the regulations required to operationalize the Crops Act. Lack of a database and information to support the development of the agriculture sector is a major constraint to planning and having a realistic regulatory framework. Having regulations which provide for information and records management in the entire value chains will provide the necessary data to support development planning and thus provide investment opportunities. The functions and mandates prescribed in the Crops Act and AFA Act create jurisdictional conflicts and overlap in some instances. There is a need to review and harmonize the two Acts, particularly on the functions/mandate of the institutions involved –National government, county governments, and the Agriculture and Food Authority. For instance, the Commodities Fund, which manages the AFA’s money operates autonomously without AFA’s intervention. The KALRO Act No. 17 of 2013 provides for an appropriate legal and institutional framework for agricultural research in Kenya, knowledge management and technology transfer; to provide a solution for sustainable development of agribusiness. The act has established the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, whose functions include: To promote, streamline, co-ordinate and regulate research in crops and livestock. The KALRO Act has not been fully operationalized making the institution unable to fulfill its core mandate in the development of the required research and data, to ensure proper management of crop sub-sector. The institution also lacks proper financing of its activities. This has led to an ailing sector operating on old age practices with lack of progressive research and the implementation thereof as per the current agro-ecologic conditions. This is further evidenced by the wrong focus in planning on agricultural value chains where maize is overly emphasized and the livestock sector being undermined. These three laws were enacted following the agricultural reforms focused on improving efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery through the review of the legal and regulatory framework in the Agriculture sector. Institutional policy and legal frameworks play a key role in advancing the national economic and social agenda on economic recovery and poverty reduction. The development of the agriculture sector is dependent on an effective and efficient institutional framework to ensure a coordinated mechanism to facilitate multi-sectoral development of agriculture nationally and within the East African region. Agriculture involves many stakeholders and institutions who deliver the range of services required by the farming community. These stakeholders should be well-coordinated to avoid duplication of efforts and wastage of resources. The government needs to formulate regulations to coordinate all stakeholders offering extension services, come up with an agriculture extension curriculum that streamlines all extension knowledge packaged as per specific crop. In addition to this, it happens that the two levels of government also lack proper coordination with both formulating policies. This begs the question as to at what point do the county-specific policies tie to the Ministry of Agriculture policies. There needs to be strengthening of the Joint Agriculture Sector Steering Committee; an inter-governmental body that coordinates the National and County governments’ Agriculture sector. The number of agricultural projects running in the counties with parallel objectives and mediocre funding is ridiculous. If we can synergize, have a regulatory mechanism of Monitoring and Evaluation of the ongoing projects, then we can minimize the numerous quarks polluting the agribusiness value chain with poorly structured projects. There has been an uproar on the agriculture policies such as the Dairy Industry Act and the Crops Act that create a hostile socio-economic working environment through stifling measures. The other problem with our current policies is the lack of domestication and on-ground scoping by the farmers to know the readiness of the counties and the country as a whole in adopting the foreign adopted policies. The two acts were rather obnoxious given the current model of running the agribusiness sector where milk is sold raw and across homesteads with little contact with the market place. The average smallholder farmer struggles to acquire inputs for initial production, not to forget the nature of agricultural production dependence on seasonality and crop cycles. It is, therefore, a tall order for the AFA Act and Crops Act to duplicate rolls in licensing and other transactional implications that hurt the farmer; already crippled by taxes on enabler inputs such as VAT and realities of crop loss. The removal of VAT on agro-chemicals, machinery and accessories, drier accessories and all post-harvest management equipment and technologies by the government will go a long way in bringing down crop production, handling, storage, and overall costs. In addition to this, there is a need to subsidize electricity that powers various farm machinery so as to empower an average farmer to adopt technology in agribusiness. In the near future, I look forward to agricultural policies protecting farmers from the fluctuation of market prices and cartels, inflation prices on fuels and other input subsidy frameworks and enhancing a steady income for the farmer through innovative financing. This calls for collaboration in research and relying on the agriculture enablers and having a bottom-up approach during the formation of agriculture regulations and policies. The counties are the implementers of the nationally formulated policies. Scoping should be done to identify the policy gaps, with reference to the already existing county policies. Public participation should be done with the view of engaging technocrats in the agriculture sector, prior to and during the policy formulation process so as to custom-make agriculture legislation to suit the final consumer.

Kienyeji chicken farming is the way to go

What best thing would you wish to happen to you in your early 30’s? Well despite the normal expectations with most of us, things were different, but with better yields for then 31-year-old Caleb Karuga. Mr. Karuga, an ex-TV journalist at K24 Media house, lost his job 5 years ago and decided to get into Kienyeji chicken farming. Fast forward to today, the former TV journalist has grown his venture and runs a successful poultry farm that houses thousands of chicken.

How it all started: The birth of Wendy Farm

Like every other startup venture, Caleb started small by leasing a one-acre farm in Kikuyu, chose a catchy farm name and got the balls rolling. He named his farm Wendy Farm. He founded Wendy Farm to rear poultry for sale with a focus on Kienyeji chicken, quails, and guinea fowls. His market is currently focused around Nyeri and Laikipia, with an expansion strategy to cover the coastal regions. Caleb is strategic and has divided his farm into portions to do other farming activities. These activities are aimed at increasing farm revenue streams while also providing food. He rears dairy goats and cows on an eight of an acre mainly focusing on zero-grazing to maximize on space. He grows butternut,  strawberry, sweet potatoes and sunflowers on the rest of the farm. No journey is easy and agriculture is not easy as many people think. Like a baby growing, Caleb tried to walk and fell down many times. He took these failures as lessons and forged on. The challenges ravaged him for 3 years until he finally gained ground. Meet Caleb today and he will tell you how he purchased 200 pigs and abandoned the venture due to poor market research. This was one of the first challenges that edged him closer towards success in Kienyeji chicken farming. He soldiered on and bought two hens and a cock from a neighbour then gradually increased the flock all the way to 200 birds. Unfortunately, Caleb had little knowledge of poultry vaccination, as a result, he all his birds within two months. Focused and determined to make it in the poultry business, Caleb edged on and bought 500 day-old chicks from Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Institute. However, it wasn’t easy yet, some of his rogue employees sold the birds in his absence. This act did not give him any reason to give up. By this time, he had made up his mind to push on until he made it. He pushed his limits and stocked 1,500 additional Kienyeji chicks. To maximize his profits, Caleb realized he could make three times his current income from eggs and meat if he sold day-old chicks. He sells chicks hatched the old fashioned way. “A day-old chick retails at Ksh.100 while a Kienyeji egg retails at Ksh 15 - Ksh 20. For the full-grown indigenous chicken; it retails at around Ksh 800 while the broilers at Ksh 270-Sh 300. Well, from the small mathematics it is clear that the Kienyeji chicken is more rewarding,” narrates Mr. Karuga. Although the Kienyeji chicken takes longer to mature, Caleb settled on them as the cost of feeding was lower and resistant to diseases compared to other poultry breeds. Caleb also offers poultry consultancy services through Wendy farms is proud to have successfully trained over 1,200 people. Some of the main challenges Caleb faced when he was starting out are; From Caleb's story, the clear theme is never giving up.