Graduate Farmer – Page 13 – Graduate Farmer

Govt should not make Agribusiness Strategies without involving the youth

Recently, there has been an upsurge in the number of youth-centric initiatives from government reinventing the National Youth Policy, launching the Kenya Youth in Agribusiness Strategy to the influx of donor-funded programs targeting the youth. Whereas the programs mean well to cure the ailing unemployment and improve young livelihoods, the approach is quite detrimental to fostering the youth agenda. Now, it was quite paradoxical to note that the Kenya Youth in Agribusiness Strategy launch had no youth representation in the room. It would be oblivious to assume that a tailor can cut clothe and make it without the presence of the wearer to get the correct measurements. Ironically, this has been the norm toy every other high stakeholder conversations focusing on youth. This leaves a lot to be desired; with the term youth emerging as a fundraising tool. This is quite sad if you think about it. Public participation, is the moral public forever project design, especially in our democratic country. Like a fellow youth in agribusiness once stated, the youth agenda is not subordinate. It is on this nerve that I share my two cents on what youth engaging in agribusiness implies. The typical 21st-century young tuck is exposed to a lot of progressive thinking and results at the palm of their hand and in the swipe of a screen. The digital era is an amazing era where information is readily shared across continents, transactions are done without physical encounters and drudgery systems abhorred. The youth have been exposed to easier ways of achieving results and fast money is the order of the day. This coupled with the harsh economy, the societal expectations on self-sufficiency and not forgetting the urge to make it as per the gram/social media have led to youth innovatively irking a living as practically as possible. As you can tell this involves less burdensome, time-consuming and regenerative incomes. Many youths shy away from agribusiness from previous exposure to agricultural activities as a form of punishment; back at home or even in school. To add insult to injury, agriculture is no longer offered as a subject in primary school. The formative ages of a child are quite crucial in developing a child’s talents, abilities and tastes, and preferences. The four (4)K clubs are no longer in action, leaving the agriculture sector mired with the absence of new blood. The Kenya School curriculum needs to emphasize on teaching modern agricultural practices and even engaging primary school pupils in kitchen gardening and further contributing to the School Feeding Program as producers by National Government. Now that our youth have information, the policies in the sector need to create an enabling environment. An environment that makes farming profitable. The enablers of the agriculture sector such as land, inputs, electricity, fuel and even market access need to be readily available to young farmers. More often than not, agriculture policies in Kenya only create barriers to entry. With each licensing comes a licensing fee and with each penalty equals monetary reparations. If this hurts the average business operators, how much so will it stifle a budding young farmer? The youth are therefore making calculated decisions by choosing not to depend entirely on farming for a living. One sure way of engaging youth in agribusiness is by focusing more on other activities along the value chain other than the actual production. The youth are quite adaptive and enthusiastic about technology with limitless imagination and innovation being their forte. This is a seasoning that has been lacking in our value addition aspect across value chain production. Access to markets nowadays has been enhanced through digital applications such as M-Shamba whereas Hello Tractor provides mechanization- the uber for tractors. Engaging the youth in post-farming activities is a win given the limitless opportunities to venture into such as post-harvest handling innovations, transportation, value-addition, and agro-processing market access, e-extension and other techno-savvy innovations potent within the young demographic. To make agriculture cool and sexy means to make agriculture a profitable business. It is not the dirty work that scares the youth away, show them how to the lucrativeness of agribusiness and watch as agribusiness becomes the new Big thing. The government needs an urgent policy on safeguarding land for agricultural production, even as other stakeholders work on making the land for farming available for youths. A following will be garnered through show-casing the youths who have been successful in agribusiness. These youth champions, together with having agricultural tours to youth-run demonstration farms will change the narrative that agriculture is for the aged and the poor. Above all, anything for the youth should be by the youth and with the youths. Programs designed for the younger demographics’ consumption should first derive the needs for the target youths, consult on possible solutions and think through the modalities for execution. The youths in agribusiness need to arm themselves with knowledge on existing policies, research, business ecosystem and opportunities to tap into to sit at the table. Not as a subordinate but as the drivers of the youth in agribusiness agenda and the youth agenda as a whole. Success is opportunity meeting preparedness. The youths need to take their place as the leaders of today by utilizing technology and tapping into their innovativeness to create a powerhouse of solutions in the agriculture sector. Let us put a face to the name youth.

Opportunities presented by the Kenya Youth Agribusiness Strategy

The Kenya Youth Agribusiness Strategy was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock Fisheries and Irrigation in consultation with the County Governments and Developed partners to run from 2017 to 2021 with a view to the increasing meaning and sustainable youth participation in the agricultural sector. The mission statement is Positioning the youth at the forefront of Agricultural Growth and Transformation. Let us walk through opportunities that promote youth participation in agriculture in Kenya and how we as youth can tap into them to the fullest potential.

ICT infrastructure, innovations and technologies platforms.

As youths, we are more eager, flexible and agile especially where uptake of new technologies is concerned. ICT provides solutions that would make the agriculture sector more efficient thus transformative. The challenges include insufficient capacity in e-agriculture entrepreneurship weak linkage with investors, weak support from the public and private sectors.

Existence of strong research institutions in Agriculture

A recent case study of youths seizing this opportunity is Makueni County Government Initiative to educate 150 youth through the Makueni Youth Empowerment Service. The 150 are representatives from the 30 wards awarded scholarships by the German International Development Agency, (GIZ), through the County government and KCB foundation. They will undergo an intensive three-months agribusiness training on hydroponics, business incubation at Miramar International College, Nairobi. They will also do a further three months of training in the field.

Higher literacy levels among the youth compared to other demographic segments.

This is a window or exposure to knowledge and information available on different platforms including social media, internet, and knowledge hubs. there is easy and faster sharing of knowledge such as commodity prices, demand and supply gaps that exist in different locations-globalization.

High potential for Agro-processing and Value addition.

Inventions such as mango wine by the brilliant youths from Siaya under the Youth in Agribusiness Incubation- C.O.G AAIN project is proof of how the youth as a highly empowered resource is the answer to transformative agriculture.

Improvement of physical infrastructures and logistics.

Transport systems, ICT connectivity, cold storage & processing facilities, electricity, and water are some of the facilities that need revitalization for agriculture to develop. This calls for a partnership between the agriculture sector and other sectors such as ICT, Infrastructure and Energy. Millennials are known for their working through synergy and a lot of idea-sharing is of great advantage to our youthful input in agribusiness development. With the Government currently investing in these areas synergized by the devolved government, the participation of youth in the designing process is of greatest import.

Review of the Education System

Re-introduction of agribusiness studies in the curriculum at all levels will inculcate the required skills and attract youth to agribusiness as a viable and esteemed career.

Policy environment and government commitment to youth development.

Some Kenyan Agricultural Policies curtail youthful participation in the sector, for example, the issue of land ownership, given land is the greatest agricultural resource. For agricultural policies to incorporate the youth demographic, youths need to sit at the table too when formulating agricultural policies. We should be on our toes and the lookout for any government initiative towards youth in agribusiness for Kenya Youth in Agribusiness Strategy to attain practicality. information is just a google search away, all one needs is interest.

Pump more water using the Maji Pump Solar Kit

The sun has been with us since the world was created. It has helped plants grow by providing energy for the process of photosynthesis to occur. Photosynthesis is the way plants convert inorganic resources, such as sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and minerals, into organic resources that the plant can use. The sun makes farming possible. It brings life to our farms and allows us to grow crops. The sun does not stop there. It also gives us energy. We get energy through the use of photo-voltaic solar cells which convert light energy into electricity. Solar energy has enabled us to light our homes, heat water and the most important…it allows us to pump water. One new solar water pump that is improving the lives of small holder farmers in Kenya is the Maji Pump (MajiPump ™). The Maji Pump Solar Kit is both cost effective and easy to install making it a reliable solar water pump to have in your farm and home. Once installed, the Maji Pump can pump water for free. It does not incur recurring expenses associated with electricity, petrol or diesel fuel.

The Maji Pump has the following features;

Quick payback, within one growing season.
A high flow rate of 2,160 Liters per Hour.
15-20 years pump lifespan.
Portable.
Direct solar power. (You do not need to have batteries running it).
Comes with 200 Watts solar panel.

What are the advantages of using the Maji Pump Solar Kit?

The MajiPump solar kit can be used for various applications. However, the main use is to extract water from ponds, rivers, bore wells or other sources of water for various applications, including but not limited to:

Irrigation.
Drinking water.
Industrial use etc.

The MajiPump goes for Ksh 30,000 can be purchased through our online platform or Eldoret shop. You can also call us on 0798857668 for orders. Delivery is one countrywide.

What causes Cabbage heads to crack?

We all have that moment when you have followed all the right steps on growing a certain crop but something crazy happens on the farm which makes you go nuts. One of these things is seeing cracked cabbage heads appearing on your farm. Cabbage farming is quite profitable, however, once the cabbage heads start cracking, the profitability turns to losses. Cracked cabbage heads have no solutions once it occurs. This problem can nevertheless be prevented. Before we dive into the solutions to this problem, we need to understand the cause. What causes cabbage heads to crack in the first place?

Cracking is caused by an uneven growth tempo brought by dry conditions. The dry conditions will cause the cabbage to start from a smaller, tight head then suddenly change due to heavy rainfall showing up close to the cabbages maturity. The internal water pressure inside the head causes the cabbage to burst open and bring you a world of headache.
The growth process can also be affected by failing to give the cabbage sufficient fertiliser during its early stages. This holds back the maturity process and then speeds it up when you start giving it fertiliser. Your crop literally gets confused and boom…the joke is on you. Don’t play with your crops emotions.
Cabbages can crack when they are fully mature but continue to grow in size. Cut back on the water when you are approaching the harvesting month

How to prevent your cabbage heads from cracking

Water your cabbages evenly throughout the season to avoid an uneven growth tempo. If you are planning to grow during the dry season as the rainy season approaches, make sure you give the crop enough water to balance it out. If plants go dry, apply water slowly at first.
Go easy on the fertiliser once your cabbages heads begin to get firm.
You can also prune the roots to slow uptake of water and slow growth. You can prune roots by turning the head halfway to break off some of the roots.
Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilisers.
Harvest cabbages when they are mature. Do not leave them on the field to overgrow.

If this is your first time growing Cabbages try checking out some of our write ups.

How to raise money for your agribusiness idea

You have a great agribusiness idea but you need money to actualize it. This is usually the problem that faces many young farmers in Kenya, heck this is the problem that I faced when I started out. Let’s face it, it’s never easy to raise money to start a farming business in Kenya. Farming start-ups are considered as high-risk ventures and everyone who have heard the sad stories that happen on the farm are afraid of it. Banks are afraid of them. They can only give you money if you have already started something and a stable cash-flow can be seen trickling into your account. If they cannot see any evidence to this, they will not listen to your wonderful agribusiness idea. Farming is just any other business and should be treated as such. The only difference is that farming has more risks involved, and many beginner farmers who get into farming usually don’t get out alive (Succeed). This is why everyone is so cagey in giving you their money to invest for yourself or for them. Having no money or connections is not an excuse for you to wallow in hopelessness. If you truly believe the agribusiness idea you have is worth doing, will bring you tons of money and you love it then don’t give up. Try to find new ways of raising money to actualize your idea. Approach things differently and get more creative. Get out of your cocoon and do something that is called a calculative investment. You need to fall back, think about your life and re-assess your funding options. I have a few ideas but we all know everyone’s situation is different and what works for me might not work for someone else.

Start providing services to generate cash flow

We are all blessed with various gifts in life. There has to be one thing you can do for someone that can help you generate a small amount of money. You don’t have to go into an office with a suit and CV looking for a formal job. Try doing (honest) odd jobs for businesses in town, family members and friends and request payment in return. This might not sound easy but if you want to move forward in life you have to be ready to make sacrifices. I am good in IT so I developed a few software here and there that helped me raise a few coins that helped me move a step forward.

Invest the money you have earned into another stronger and more stable business

I know the frustration of doing odd jobs. It’s usually slow and the returns are usually steady. If you have funny expenses on the side you will find them eating up into the little money you have earned. This is why you need to hide this money into another/other investments that will take care of it. Invest in businesses like Beekeeping, Goat Rearing, Sheep Farming, and Bull (Boran or Sahiwal) Rearing. These are businesses that are slow but sure. They do not require a lot of capital and the risks are low. Their market demand is very high. The only problem is that they are slow investments which means you will have to wait for some time before getting profits back. I consider these investments as money saving strategies for future bailouts etc. Once you get your money and profits back then you can move to the next step.

Invest in your idea

If you are in this step that means you managed to raise enough money to actualize your idea. Go for it. This does not mean you abandon all the steps you went through and focus on your idea. Cash flow is important and the other steps will ensure that your flow is healthy. They will help you to practice a profitable venture and not eat into your profits. These steps might be slow but sure. Before you know it, you will have enough capital to start your venture. Do you have any working solutions/thoughts you would like to add? Please share with us below 🙂

Why have Kenya’s Agricultural Policies been failing us?

Policy-making in the agriculture sector is a mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries and Irrigation. In addition, individual county governments are expected to come up with relevant policies as they deem fit per their County Integrated Development Plans for Agriculture. Kenya is known for having very well thought out and brilliant strategies and programs that are further adopted and responsible for transformative changes beyond Kenyan borders, especially by the Western countries. However, time and again, these emulatable policies fail to transcend into development on the ground. In most cases, the policies and regulations are not custom-made to meet the needs and address the farm level case scenarios of our developing agriculture ecosystem. Any legislation and policy objective should be an enabler to farmers to produce and market their produce. With Food and Nutrition Security being one of the pillars of the Big 4 Agenda, agricultural policies are the enablers and guide towards successful implementation and development. To learn from what works and what doesn’t, it is important to look back at Kenya’s Agriculture sector policy background.

Historical perspective on Agriculture Legislation

The Colonial period (before 1954) is characterized by guiding policies and strategies in line with scheduled areas and scheduled crops, white highlands and reserves( rural areas), restricted production and marketing and government assistance directed towards settler farmers. The Swynnerton Plan Period –between 1955-1962-was the first attempt on the development of Agricultural Policy. The plan entailed opening up of commercial farming for major cash and export crop those being coffee, tea and pyrethrum. The land tenure issues were addressed through land consolidation and registration. This was further legalized through the enactment of land laws (Registered Land Act, Cap 300, Land Consolidation Act, Cap 283). Opening up of agricultural produce marketing and a top-down agricultural development (especially soil conservation) were strides that saw the bedrock of progressive regulations in promoting agricultural development. The Early Independence Period (1963-1982) resulted in land sub-division and the emergence of smallholders, conversion of agricultural land to other commercial use, the rapid growth of the agricultural and rural sectors and the emergence of the Kenya Rural Development Programme. The Liberalization Era between 1983-2002 saw the emergence of a Structural Adjustment Programme that led to staff downsizing and rationalization. In addition, there was government withdrawal from public-led agricultural service provision (eg. Extension services, AI services). Review of legislation and restructuring of institutions for liberation-NCPB Act, the KCC, Kenya Meat Commission, Cooperative Act and many others. This saw an increase in private sector involvement. There was District Focus for Rural Development-decentralization. This led to demand-driven and group approach in agricultural practices. There was also the Development of Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. Recovery era (2003-2013) –development of Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (ERS/WEC) and the Strategy for Revitalizing Agriculture (SRA). With the enactment of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, there was increased democratization. This further resulted in strong stakeholder lobby and advocacy with policy reversals such as KICC, KMC, AFC, Kenya Seed Co. which culminated into Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy. Here is where the Strategy of Revitalizing Agriculture (SRA) (2008-2014) and the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (2010-2020). Post-Constitution of Kenya 2010 Era (2013-present). This saw the launch of the Jubilee Manifesto 2013-irrigation of one million acres and the agriculture insurance. This era saw the enactment of new legislation to govern the agriculture sector (AFFA & Crops & KALR Acts). The draft Agriculture Policy, the Big Four Agenda and the Draft Agriculture Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy. The agriculture Sector reforms commenced in 2003 with the formulation of the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (ERS) and the Strategy for the Revitalization of Agriculture (SRA). These reforms focused on improving efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery through the review of the legal and regulatory framework in the Agriculture sector. This further culminated in the enactment of three acts namely:

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority Act 2013 (AFFA); now Agriculture and Food Authority Act 2016 (AFA).
Crops Act of 2013.
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act 2013 (KALR).

The AFA and Crops Acts have stringent provisions that affect the large scale farmers negatively. The duplication of roles especially in the licensing creates confusion for the producers. There needs to be clarity of roles especially in regards to:

How is the Commodities Fund administered?
Collection of taxes and other charges by Government agencies at the expense of County Governments
Lack of full consultation and involvement of stakeholders in policy and regulation making.
Legislative gaps and contradictions by the Acts to the Constitution 2010.

In the next article, we will explore the policy gaps and possible solutions towards an effective agriculture regulatory system. We must first reflect on our history to learn from previous errors and panel beat on what structures worked for a better agriculture sector.

The wonders of Passion Fruit farming in Kenya

Horticulture farming in Kenya presents a lot of opportunities for farmers across all income levels. It does not require a lot of capital to get started, which means any dedicated beginner farmer can get things up and running in no time. With its favorable climate, Kenya has a long history of growing horticultural crops for both local and export markets.

Some of the major crops grown in Kenya include Roses, Apples, Arrowroots, Carnations, Avocados, Artichoke, Bananas, Asparagus, Carthamus, Oranges, Mangoes, Bixa, Basil, Chrysanthemums, Cashew nuts, Beetroot, Cabbage, Lettuce, Passion Fruits, among others. These crops are a lifeline for many rural households and offer steady income and employment opportunities.

Key Horticultural Zones in Kenya

The main regions that engage in horticulture farming (mostly rural areas) include Baringo, Machakos, Kiambu, Makueni, Nyeri, Murang’a, Uasin Gishu, Kirinyaga, Meru, Naivasha, Kisii, and Nakuru. Each of these areas has its micro-climate and soil profile suitable for different horticultural crops. For instance, Naivasha is famous for flower farming while Murang’a and Meru are known for fruit farming, including passion fruits and avocados.

Economic Impact of Horticulture in Kenya

A report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), 2015, shows that the total domestic value earned from horticulture in 2012 amounted to Ksh 119 Billion, with a total production quantity of 12.17 million tons. In the same year, the total value of horticultural exports was Ksh 89.8 Billion with a production quantity of 205,800 tons. That is a lot of money by any standard and shows how vibrant the sector is.

Kenya is definitely making money from the horticultural sector. But the more important question is: are you making money from it? Knowing the right crop to grow is not always easy. If you’re not careful, your agribusiness venture could quickly become a loss-making affair.

Getting Started: Asking the Right Questions

When I conduct farm visits or carry out field research, I always ask farmers several questions to understand their ventures better. These questions help evaluate sustainability, profitability, and the challenges involved:

How many years have you been practicing this venture? (This shows sustainability)
How much gross/net profit does it give you yearly?
What challenges do you encounter?
Is this your main source of income? (This shows the worthiness of the venture)
How frequently do you earn your money?

These are just a few of the many questions that help shape the narrative on what works and what doesn’t in agribusiness.

Passion Fruit: A Sustainable and Profitable Horticultural Crop

One crop that has consistently caught my attention is the Passion Fruit. This crop is a top contender in the sustainability category. Most of the farmers I interviewed across various regions in Kenya shared a common testimony: they make a stable living from passion fruit farming. It pays for school fees, caters to farm expenses, settles bills, and even allows some to expand their farms. Some of these farmers have grown passion fruits for over 11 years. That kind of consistency is a good sign in farming.

Why Passion Fruit?

The passion fruit is prized for its rich flavor and aroma, which makes it a key ingredient in the juice processing industry. It is also used for flavoring yoghurts, smoothies, cocktails, desserts, and other products. Passion fruits are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and carotene, which are essential for boosting immunity and maintaining good vision.

From a processing perspective, commercial production of yellow passion fruit yields approximately:

36% juice
51% rinds
11% seeds

A Brief History in Kenya

Kenya was first introduced to passion fruit in the 1920s for commercial juice processing. Since then, it has flourished, particularly in regions with altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level.

There are two main varieties of passion fruits cultivated in Kenya:

Purple Passion Fruit – Mostly grown in the highlands.
Yellow Passion Fruit – Thrives in the lowlands and is often used as rootstock due to its resistance to diseases.

Agronomy of Passion Fruits

The passion fruit vine is a shallow-rooted, perennial, woody plant that climbs using tendrils. The fruits are nearly round or oval with a smooth, waxy rind. Inside, the fruit contains aromatic pulp-filled sacs with about 200 small seeds. The pulp is what is consumed or processed.

Propagation Methods

Passion fruits can be propagated using:

Seeds – Common but can lead to inconsistent yields.
Cuttings – Good but more susceptible to soil-borne diseases.
Grafting – Recommended. Grafted seedlings are more vigorous, disease-resistant, and higher yielding.

Economics of Passion Fruit Farming

According to the National Farmers Information Service (NAFIS Kenya), you can harvest up to 10,000 kg of passion fruits per acre per season. Of course, this depends on several factors, including soil fertility, pest and disease control, and irrigation.

Let’s break down the numbers:

Crop Population: An acre can support about 800 plants.
Yield per Plant: One plant can produce 13–15 kg per season, sometimes more.
Harvest Time: First harvest comes in 6–8 months. Thereafter, harvesting is weekly.
Market Price: Buying price fluctuates around Ksh 80 per kg, but it can go higher depending on the season and quality.

Potential Gross Income:

textCopyEdit10,000 kg × Ksh 80 = Ksh 800,000

Cost of Production (Estimates):

Seedlings (800 grafted): Ksh 40,000
Chemicals (fertilizers, fungicides): Ksh 50,000
Irrigation Equipment: Ksh 70,000
Support Materials (poles, wires): Ksh 100,000
Labour & Management: Ksh 90,000

Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 350,000

Net Profit:

textCopyEditKsh 800,000 - Ksh 350,000 = Ksh 450,000

A big chunk of the initial investment goes into fixed assets such as poles and wires, which don’t need replacement every season. As such, your profits in the 2nd and 3rd years will be significantly higher.

The economic lifespan of passion fruit vines is typically 3 years, after which productivity declines. While older vines may still produce fruits, many farmers opt to replant and start afresh for better yields.

Challenges in Passion Fruit Farming

No venture is without its fair share of challenges. For passion fruit, these include:

Diseases: Fusarium wilt, brown spot, and viral infections can affect yields. However, most of these can be controlled through good farming practices and the use of disease-free planting material.
Pests: Fruit flies, thrips, mites, and aphids are common. Routine spraying and monitoring can keep them at bay.
Market Fluctuations: While the price is relatively stable, seasonal gluts can lead to price drops. It is important to time your production for peak market periods.
Support Infrastructure: The cost of poles and trellis systems can be high for beginners. A good solution is to start small and expand gradually.

Despite these challenges, most farmers agree that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Tips for Beginner Passion Fruit Farmers

Start Small – Don’t invest all your money in a large plantation before learning the ropes.
Use Grafted Seedlings – These offer better disease resistance and higher yields.
Irrigation is Key – Regular watering during the dry season ensures consistent fruiting.
Soil Testing – Conduct soil tests before planting to ensure your land is suitable.
Attend Agricultural Shows – Stay informed by participating in exhibitions and field days.
Join Farmer Groups – Collaborating with others gives you access to shared markets, knowledge, and resources.

Is Passion Fruit Farming Sustainable in Kenya?

From the numerous conversations I’ve had with passion fruit farmers, it’s clear that this crop is not only sustainable but also highly profitable. It provides a reliable income stream, the market is consistent, and the crop is in high demand both locally and internationally. The main requirement is dedicated farm management.

If you are considering joining the list of successful horticultural farmers in Kenya, then passion fruit farming is a good place to start. But like all farming ventures, don’t go in blindly. Do your research, start small, build your experience, and scale up wisely.

Final Thoughts

Horticulture farming in Kenya is a gold mine waiting to be tapped. Passion fruit, in particular, stands out as a profitable and sustainable crop for those willing to invest the time, energy, and resources to do it right.

You don’t need to own a large farm to start. Even a small quarter-acre can generate substantial income if managed well. The key is to remain informed, connected to the right markets, and always improve your farming practices.

What do you think? Is Passion Fruit farming a venture you’d like to explore? Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoeuqGvRqS8

Farming ideas that can help you save and grow your money

Saving money is a big deal. This fact is rarely disputed. You might wonder why most financial institutions in Kenya are always sending you notifications on why and how you should save to make your life better. They are not just looking for you to make a deposit with them, they understand the importance of saving and how it can empower or get you out of a rut on the day. Saving is a valuable skill that can improve your financial situation at any stage of your life:

Childhood- You can save money to buy toys, treats etc.
Adolescence- We usually receive pocket money when you are in College or university, this amount can be saved to help you buy a car, start a business after you graduate.
Early adulthood- Money can be saved to put a down payment on a house, wedding or your kids’ school fees.
Middle age:- You can save money for your retirement package.

Despite the knowledge on the importance of saving, many Kenyans are still not saving. When it comes to doing the right thing financially, just knowing you should save is not enough. This is understandable. It’s difficult to do something you are not used to, especially if you do not have enough money to spare. We face so many economic challenges in Kenya that the thought of saving is quickly brushed aside in preference to the day to day expenses that affect us. When you talk to a financial adviser, they will tell you that you can save any small amount no matter what amount you are earning. This is true, but it is tough to do something consistently without understanding why you should save money and struggle to do this in the first place. We all have different ways of doing things and this also applies to our saving plans or strategies. It is however important that we have a clear goal or purpose for the money that we are saving. I am going to jot down a few farming ideas that can act as saving strategies and used by farmers in Kenya or anyone in a position to follow these examples.

Buying one sheep or goat every month at a low price and resell after one year.

Sheep Farming

If you are not vegan then you know how tasty roasted mutton tastes like. The demand for mutton in Kenya has been growing as the tastes of the urban population becomes more diverse. As a result, the Dorper breed has become the sheep of choice to many sheep farmers in Kenya. The Dorper can turn your idle land into profits just within a year. Sheep farming will not just save your money, it will put it to work and generate income through the following ways;

Selling of meat (Mutton).
Selling milk (Not so common but there is a niche market).

For saving and fast income generation, you will focus on raising sheep for meat (mutton). Sheep farming is not demanding. It requires less space and the feed requirement is low. You need one ram for 20-25 sheep, so factor this in your purchase plan. You can get two lambs a year under good management. This means your investment/saving plan will double. For in-depth Sheep Farming analysis please check our guide.

Goat Farming

Goat meat is perhaps the most loved meat delicacy by Kenyans. You can find it in nearly all butcheries and restaurants. If you are travelling you will see roadside restaurants branded with the name “Mbuzi Choma Available” meaning you can find roasted goat meat there. GOats can also be kept for milk and sold to hospitals. The goat is an easy animal to keep. Like its counterpart the sheep, it is not demanding. They can eat low-quality roughages and fetch a good amount of money when sold. The goat, however, needs to be put in an enclosed space because they can cause damage to nearby crops and trees. They are quite the little rascals. Goats can give birth multiple times in a year. You can get 2 kids per kidding or even 3-4 kids. This means your flock will multiply fast in a short time. For in-depth Goat Farming analysis please check our guide. You can buy one sheep or goat between Ksh 2,500 - Ksh 5,000 (This price depends with where you are) and resell at Ksh 8,500 – Ksh 20,000 (Depending on the weight). You can find buyers by asking around butcheries, restaurant and hotels.

Buying one bee-hive monthly

When bees have flowers, water and a comfortable to live they will supply you with gold. Liquid gold to be precise. These are the only factors bees need to make honey. The good thing about this is that you will incur close to zero expenses while tending to your beehives. The potential of Bee-Keeping in Kenya has not been fully realized despite the high demand for natural honey by consumers. This is one market where you cannot go wrong. Don’t hear people who tell you that honey is difficult to sell. This mostly happens to brokers (guys who buy honey from bee-keepers to resell in supermarkets). If you are the bee-keeper, I assure you, your honey will sell within your neighbourhood. The price for one hive costs between Ksh 3,000 – Ksh 5,000. It is, however, cheaper to build your own hive. It can save you nearly half the total purchase amount. One modern Langstroth bee-hive can produce up to 40 Kgs of honey per year. One Kg of honey costs between Ksh 500 – Ksh 800 (Depends on your location etc). Do the math. You can save while earning. Well, there you have it. These are just a few of many saving/investing ideas you can do to take care of yourself in various stages in life. Saving money is at the heart of all healthy financial strategies. Learn how to save money consistently…even when you feel broke. If you have any other working ideas/thoughts that you would like to share with us, please write them down in the comment section below. I am sure we would all love to benefit from your wisdom 🙂

How to irrigate plants and apply fertilizer at the same time

This is the season where Knapsack sprayer parts are highly sought out in Kenya. Knapsack sprayers are used to apply fertilizer and pesticides to plants. During this application process, many sprayers break down due to mishandling and which results in you buying new sprayers or repeating the same process of buying spare parts again next year. There is however a better and more efficient solution called Fertigation that can be used to apply fertilizer on your field. Fertigation is delivering fertilizers to plants through irrigation. This system allows you to supply nutrients to plants without having any wastage. This is done by releasing small doses of fertilizer in exact amounts to ensure the crop gets the right amount of nutrients. While fertigation systems will help you avoid the hassles of buying Knapsack sprayer parts, the primary purpose of fertigation is to save the cost in applying fertilizer.

Which Fertigation system should I use?

Several techniques have been developed for applying fertilizers through the irrigation systems and many types of injectors are available on the market. Venturi Kit-This is based on the principle of the Venturi tube. A pressure difference is needed between the inlet and the outlet of the injector. It is installed on a bypass arrangement placed on an open container with the fertilizer solution. The rate of injection is very sensitive to pressure variations, and small pressure regulators are sometimes needed for a constant ejection. Friction losses are approximately 1.0 bar. The injectors are made of plastic in sizes from to 2 inches and with injection rates of 40–2 000 litres/h. They are relatively cheap compared to other injectors. Fertilizer Tank- This is a cylindrical, epoxy coated, pressurized metal tank, resistant to the system’s pressure, and connected as a bypass to the supply pipe of the head control. It operates by differential pressure created by a partially closed valve, placed on the pipeline between the inlet and the outlet of the tank. Part of the flow is diverted to the tank entering at the bottom. It mixes with the fertilizer solution and the dilution is ejected into the system. The dilution ratio and the rate of injection are not constant. The concentration of fertilizer is high at the beginning and very low at the end of the operation. Piston Pump- This type of injector is powered by the water pressure of the system and can be installed directly on the supply line and not on a bypass line. The system’s flow activates the pistons and the injector is operated, ejecting the fertilizer solution from a container, while maintaining a constant rate of injection. The rate varies from 9 to 2 500 litres/h depending on the pressure of the system and it can be adjusted by small regulators. Made of durable plastic material, these injectors are available in various models and sizes. They are more expensive than the Venturi-type injectors.

What are the benefits of fertigation?

Fertigation has the following benefits;

Controlled application of nutrients and water.
Increased flexibility of fertilizer application.
Allows better timing of application correlated with crop growth stage.
Allows small dosage application.
Minimizes leaching and negative environmental impact.
Increased water use efficiency.
Increased fertilizer use efficiency.
Potential to reduce fertilizer inputs, reducing production costs.
Reduce foliar disease by minimizing leaf wetness.
Reduce weeds because the fertilizer is only applied to crop.

What should I watch out for in Fertigation Systems?

Fertigation is awesome, there are however things that you need to watch out for e.g;

You will need to manage your farm well.
Investment in appropriate injection equipment although for small farms the investment will not be high.
Fertilizer source must be water soluble
Be cautious of precipitation reactions with fertilizer components.

Using fertilizer injector systems to apply fertilizer is a great way of providing nutrients to plants. The method enhances the proper use of resources as it's possible to irrigate plants and apply fertilizer at the same time. This saves time and money and ensures plants get the proper nutrients to keep them healthy.

Manage fewer dairy cows and be more productive

Let's get to the point, milk production is influenced by these main factors;

Breeding.
Nutrition.
Health.
Management.

The factors above will determine if you will succeed or not. While this might be true, it is not always the case. Getting the most out of your dairy farm requires a lot of carefully planned tact. This is what I mean, Farm A milks 30 cows, has enough hay in stock and occasionally grows silage when money is available. Cows eat silage once in a while on this farm. Silage on this farm is like you being broke the whole year with no food then you get to eat chicken and chapati during Christmas. Cows are fed concentrates when milked and water is readily available to them. The cows on this farm produce 4-5 litres per day. That comes to a total of 150 litres of milk per day. Farm B, on the other hand, milks 8 cows. This farm has all the food requirement a cow could ever need, silage, water, hay and concentrates. The cows on this farm never lack anything. They live a good life. Farm B gets 20 litres of milk per cow per day. Their total milk turn-over is 160 litres daily. There is no dispute here, Farm B is clearly the most productive farm. Most dairy farmers in Kenya fall under the first category (Farm A). They focus on having many cows present on their farm (Which is not a bad thing at all) and forget about the small things that matter. The nitty-gritty that plagues every business in Kenya. Starting small and perfecting the little you have. It's only through this strategy that you will truly succeed. Cows have always been important in Kenya and many communities view them as a sign of wealth. Times have changed and keeping cows has become a luxury most dairy farmers in Kenya cannot keep up with. The day-to-day expenses of keeping cows are growing every day and farmers who are not planned out are being milked dry. However, all hope is not lost. We can claim back the lost glory of the dairy cows as a sign of wealth in Kenya by being smarter. Take the steps below and improve your dairy production from performing obscurely.

Be realistic and start small. If you already have a large farm up and running but still getting losses, then its time to cull (reduce) your herd and build from what you have. It's better to have fewer dairy cows that perform well than have numerous cows eating from your pocket. This will also help you manage your herd in detail.
Lack of proper research is what gets many dairy farmers in trouble. Heck, this applies to all businesses everywhere. You cannot just dive into dairy farming without proper knowledge. If you are a newbie, the emphasis on starting small is even greater. Visit other successful farmers in your region to get a clear picture of how a dairy farm works. When you have all the facts and figures in place, start investing slowly.
Don't eat from your farm. Be careful of how you handle your income. Look for other ways to bail out your day to day needs i.e car fuel, school fees etc. Let your farm grow naturally and soon you will be able to pay all your expenses through your profits.
Practice proper record Keeping- This is category does not need any introduction.
Follow your cow's reproduction cycle closely. Never miss inseminating your cow (Detecting when your cow is on heat). Carefully inseminating the animals around 90–120 days after calving. so that getting each calf every year.
Do more research on this. This will save you huge losses.
Feed your cows well. I am sure you have noticed most of my articles include those of feeds. This is because feeds play a huge role in your cow's production. Do extensive research on this.

Practice all these and dairy farming will start working for you.

Author - Graduate Farmer