Farmers in Laikipia East encouraged to adopt Conservation Agriculture

 

Farmers receiving training at the demonstration site during the field day

Conservation agriculture is emerging as an alternative farming method by many smallholder farmers. Farmers in Matanya Location in Laikipia East Sub-County shared this fact during a field day organized by ACT in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Kenya Agricultural & Livestock research Organization (KALRO).

The event held on 18^th December 2014 was hosted by the Kavenge Dairy Goat farmers group at Mrs. Grace Migwi farm in Weru-Ini Village in Laikipia East. The event was attended by a pool of over 130 farmers drawn from the Tigithi and Ngobit wards and other neighboring areas. The County government officials present were; The County Director of Agriculture (CDA), Sub-County Agricultural Officer (SCAO) and the Member of the County Assembly, Tigithi ward  (MCA). Eight partners, including Faulu-Kenya, Olpejeta Conservancy, Agriculture Sector development programme (ASDSP), TIST, DUNPONT, Taifa SACCO, Sunrise Ago-dealers, Kenya Dairy Goats Association (KENGAP) and Plan International representing seed companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and banking institutions  participated in the field day.

The following objectives were covered;

1.   To show farmers the difference between conservation and conventional agriculture.

2.   To increase awareness of conservation agriculture in the area.

3.   To learn from the successes and good practices of the host farmer.

4.   To identify the major challenges farmers face in production and marketing.

There were over 8 stations of learning, including ISFM trial site, Going Beyond the demo (GBD), Permanent planting basins under CA, cover crops, CA with trees, CA equipments, Hay production under CA and contract farming.

The host farmer (Grace Migwi) shared her CA experiences to the participants through practical demonstration using Hand CA tools (Hand ripper, Jab planter and Weed scrapper) and engaged the farmers in discussions so as to enable them learn from each other. This season (Sept 2014-Feb 2015) the host farmer decided to adopt conservation agriculture (CA) methods at her entire farm. "I started practicing CA with the hope of getting better yields, since I was no longer able to feed my family. I’m fully convinced after observing the performance of my farm that this was the way to go”

Peter Kuria, ACT Program Officer for Kenya noted that some of the farmers have adopted CA in the area as a result of the trainings that they have been receiving from ACT at the demonstration sites in the area. He urged farmers to practice CA at commercial levels so as to improve their socio-economic status.

The area MCA appreciated the efforts of ACT in building the capacity of farmers towards improving agricultural productivity in the area. 

Mrs. Kimaita, The County Director of Agriculture was the guest of honor during the event. She urged farmers to adopt CA so that they can realize better productivity and reduce the cost of production.  “Food insecurity and Cost of production is on the rise in this part of Laikipia”. Conservation agriculture not only increase yields but also has a large bearing on the cost of production” Mrs. Kimaita told the farmers.

 









 

 

 

CA4CC Field day in Laikipia, Kenya.

On 4th September 2014, ACT organized a farmer’s field day under Conservation Agriculture for Increased Resilience to Climate Change and Improved Food Security in Eastern and Southern Africa (CA4CC) Program as a platform for transmitting CA information to Small Holder farmers, service providers, extension officers, policy makers and other CA stakeholders. The event was held in Muramati Location in Laikipia East at Daniel Muchemi’s farm. Through this program over 10,000 farmers are expected to be reached through local level CA projects.

The event brought together more than 270 participants including farmers, school pupils and government representatives from the county government, Ministry of Agriculture and the provincial administration. Over 7 stakeholders, including Kenya pollinators, Kenya seed company, agro-dealers, AGRA Representative, Agriculture Sector development programme (ASDSP), Sun transfer-Kenya, Soil Cares, Sustainable Community Development Agency (SCODE), Equity bank, Barclays bank, Taifa SACCO and community-based organizations in agriculture, energy, and health.

Maize-Dolicos LabLab intercrop, Butter Beans, KAT56 Beans, Cowpeas, Fava Beans, Pegion peas and Chick peas farm plots formed the main CA enterprises for learning. All the plots contained a residue retention ranging 60-100% which is a key principle in CA technology.

James mageni, a representative of Kenya Seed Company, encouraged farmers to plant crops that would mature within a short period and drought tolerant maize varieties.

A college agriculture student on attachment at the local Secondary School challenged the youth to be more actively involved in farming. “Let us go back to the farm and help our parents,” he urged his peers. The main message from stakeholders was that in working together in the field of agriculture, farmers can make tangible steps in contributing to food security in the country, particularly in the scenario of changing climates.

Alliance for Green Revolution for Africa (AGRA) was represented by Mr. Mbayaka who interviewed some farmers including the host farmer, extension officers and stakeholders.

Mrs. Mwangi, Laikipia East Sub-county Agricultural Officer encouraged farmers who have started adopting CA in the area to up-scale it in their entire farms so that they can realize full benefits of Conservation Agriculture. “Holding a Field day at Mr. Daniel Muchemi’s farm, has enabled farmers from this area to learn comprehensively about Conservation Agriculture”. CA has emerged as an alternative to conventional agriculture as a result of losses in soil productivity”. Mrs. Mwangi said.

Mr. Kinyumu, Laikipia County Deputy County Agricultural Officer, Ministry of Agriculture urged farmers to adopt conservation agriculture techniques, many of whom are experiencing climate change-induced drought, so as to increase their yields and conserve natural resources. “Conservation Agriculture contributes to environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural production by maintaining a permanent or semi-permanent organic soil cover”. “Adoption of CA at the farm level is associated with lower labour and farm-power inputs, more stable yields and improved soil nutrient exchange capacity. Crop production profitability under CA tends to increase over time relative to conventional agriculture” Said Kinyumu.

Speaking during the field day, Mr. Kibicha, the county Ward administrator thanked ACT for its contribution in improving Food security status in the area. “I wish to thank ACT for its strong commitment to help farmers increase their yield through CA technology”.

Mr. Muchemi, the host farmer as well as the CA4CC model farmer in the area also spoke.”Most of the people in this area ask me whether I irrigate my farm”. “This is because my farm is green with crops throughout the year unlike that of other farmers at the neighborhood”. “The secret to this is because I have been practicing CA after thorough training from ACT”. Muchemi urged his fellow farmers to adopt CA as a sure way of countering the drought which has been experienced in the area over the years.

Mr. Muchemi, the field day host farmer in his farm.

Crops officer, Mrs. Kasavuli training the farmers during the field day

Mrs. Macharia, Ward Agricultural officer addressing the field day participants

Soil Officer from Soil care organisation training the students 

ACT Field officer training Muramati primary school during the event

AGRA representative, Mr. Mbakaya (left) showed up for the event to interview the farmers in the area

The ward Administrator, Mr Kibicha addressing the participants

Conservation agriculture: The future of farming in Laikipia County, Kenya

 

Longer periods of drought and erratic and below-average rainfall in Laikipia Kenya have been making farming increasingly difficult over the years. In combination with declining soil fertility and deep-rooted practices of low-farm input application, agricultural productivity in the region has been on steep decline, leaving many farmers desperately staring at famine. However, with introduction of conservation agriculture (CA) via Conservation Agriculture for Resilient Food Security and Profitability in Laikipia County of Kenya (CA4FS) in 2013, Kenyan farmers are regaining hope.

CA4FS activities are implemented in laikipia and Machakos County by ACT in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and Ministry of Agriculture. Over the last 9 months, CA4FS has been conducting 112 on-farm trials in Laikipia using CA techniques: minimum tillage, crop residue management, intercropping (With Maize-Lablab/ Sorghum- Pigeon peas), and participatory treatments selection. Members of Sirima CBO, Laikipia Central Sub- County, have started using these techniques. “We were in a desperate situation. Maize for us is not only our staple crop; it is also a major cash crop. But yields have been dwindling to levels where they could not sustain our food requirements,” stated Peter Mathenge, the group Secretary. “However, conservation agriculture has brought fortunes. With soils regaining fertility and farmers adopting good agricultural practices, yields have started increasing.

Conservation agriculture has also come with low farming costs, as we do not have to invest in time consuming, labor intensive, and costly ploughing and weeding activities. We have decided to adopt the conservation agriculture because of these benefits.” Mathenge stated during the Monitoring and Evaluation Mission that was conducted by Dr. Rebbie Harawe, Senior Soil Health Program Officer for Alliance for green revolution for Africa (AGRA) on 10^th and 11^th July 2014.

The success of the trials encouraged ACT to organize a farmers’ field days to demonstrate the performance of CA technologies. The 1^st field day was held in Muramati Location in Daiga Division, laikipia East Sub-county, Laikipia County, on 18 July 2014, and attracted farmers from other locations at the neighborhood and over 7 exhibitors, including Sustainable community development  (SCODE), SunLife Kenya, The Kenya pollinators, Equity bank, Taifa Sacco, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock Development, seed and fertilizer companies,  agro-dealers, and community-based organizations in agriculture, energy, and health.

During the Field Day, Peter Kuria, ACT Program officer-kenya, reiterated ACT’s commitment to developing resilient farming systems that can guarantee good yields even when faced with vagaries of climate change and degraded soils. “ACT will continue to develop new and improved technologies for enhanced agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods,” said Peter. The ACT program officer called on farmers start practicing CA so as to improve their yields and form producer groups which will enable them to sell their produces at better prices to reliable buyers. He also called on the county government to promote conservation agriculture by purchasing CA equipment’s instead of the conventional tillage ones.

Arthur Mathai, deputy director of Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture-Laikipia county, lauded the partnerships in implementing CA4FS, noting that it enhances collaboration and reducing implementation costs for partner organizations. “Together you can approach farmers with holistic packages to agricultural production and ensure competitiveness of the agricultural products,” he added. Mathai also noted that field days were critical in showcasing the best technologies, taking the technologies from the station to farmers’ fields, and involving farmers in the research process through their feedback. Mr Mugue, the Host farmer, stated that CA will be crucial for hunger reduction in Kenya.



 

 ANNEX

 

CA4FS CA Demonstration plots in Laikipia 

 

Training the school pupils CA equipment during field day at Muhonia village  

SunLife Kenya and Scode officers showcasing their products during field day

Mr. Arthur Mathai (The deputy director of Agriculture, Laikipia county) addressing the farmers during the field day

Compiled By: Boniface Njenga
                         ACT-Field Officer,
                         Laikipia County, Kenya,
                         Email: boniface.njenga@act-africa.org

Laikipia Farmers trained on CA and linked with produce buyer under CA4FS program

 

ACT program officer-Kenya (Peter Kuria), Mr. Mwailu (CEO-Mwailu enterprises), Agricultural extension officers (Mr. Muchangi and Mr. Ondimu) and I had the pleasure of meeting with farmers in laikipia East and Central Sub-counties. Six meetings which started on 17^th and ended on 24^th may 2014 were held primarily to train farmers on CA principles and practices, address the problem of produce marketing and inputs access. This activity falls under (CA4FS) project which is being implemented by ACT and funded by AGRA.

On Day 1 (Sat 17^th May 2014) I and Peter Kuria backstopped 3 demonstration plots in Matanya Location in Laikipia Central Sub-County to see their performance and later attended an annually held community celebration meeting during which Mr. Peter Kuria showcased CA equipment’s , gave out ACT calendars, bronchures and Case studies to the community leaders. Laikipia county Women representative (Hon. Apollo) was present in this meeting and thanked ACT for its continued effort to improve food security in the area through CA technology.

 

Inadequate produce market was cited as one of the major challenges many smallholder farmers in Laikipia county face. This is a huddle that ACT is working hard to help farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya overcome. The problem is many-fold: Poor infrastructure and barriers in penetrating the market caused by their limited resource base, lack of information, lack of/inadequate support institutions and poor policies among other factors.

 

Speaking during one of the meeting held in Mwireri Village in Laikipia East, Peter kuria,Programme officer, Kenya informed the farmers that this challenge is set to be addressed once and for all. He added that this will be done through the introduction of contractual farming system between the farmer organizations’ and Mwailu enterprise which is set to roll out today. Mwailu enterprise is a bulk produce buying limited company. Mainly it deals with sorghum, Dolicos Lablab and Maize. 

The main speaker in these meetings was the produce buyer, Mr. Mwailu. The farmers came in good volumes as a sign of high interest in wanting to learn CA and securing output markets. Mr Mwailu urged the farmers to practice CA based on its low labor cost and improved yields. He also advised them to go “commercial farming” so as to improve their living standards and shun dependence on relief food from NGO’s and the government of Kenya.

“I thank ACT for linking me to you” Mwailu told farmers. “Contractual agreements will enable you to enjoy various benefits such as: improved household incomes; enhanced access to credit facilities; access to cheap inputs and access to relevant farming tips” Mwailu added.Mr. Mwailu promised to be buying Gadam variety sorghum, Dolicos Lablab and maize from the farmers.

I got an opportunity to train the farmers on CA principles and practices. During the training, farmers took an active role by asking many questions.  At one time while training on cover crops I would ask in Swahili “ Nani ako na sehemu ya shamba kwake ambayo imekosa rotuba  ya kutosha?” (tra-“who has a piece of land which doesn’t bear anything? ”). All the farmers would raise their hand as a sign of degraded soils in the area. After learning that cover crops such will help replenish their soils they requested to be given small quantity of the cover crop seeds to try in their farms. We gave them 5 seeds of cannavalia and mucuna so that they can plant and produce more seeds to cover their entire farms and that of their neighbors. After the training some farmers expressed their willingness to buy CA equipment's such as Jab planters and weed scrappers in readiness for use in the coming planting season.

 In two of our meetings, the farmers visited CA baby demonstration plots after the theoretical training where they observed and compared the CA and the conventional treatments. Crops in the CA treatment looked more vigor with minimal water stress while those in conventional treatment looked less vigor and highly stressed.

The following were the cumulative action plan after the meetings;

ü  That Mwailu enterprise (The produce buyer) set a date for a meeting with farmers that will culminate into contract signing with the farmers

ü  That the Farmers who attended and have never practiced CA in their farms to do so in the coming season and follow-up is done by the extension officers and the ACT field officer.

ü  That ACT technical team will help the farmers access the CA equipment’s through linkage with the manufacturers and local fabricators.

Mr. Peter Kuria (left) giving 2014 ACT calendar to the Laikipa county Women representative Hon.  Apollo (right).

CA4FS lead farmer training farmers who attended the meeting at Nturukuma location in Laikipia East

 

Peter Kuria conducting M&E mission for the demonstration plots in Matanya location in Laikipia Central

Mr. Mwailu (CEO-Mwailu enterprises) training the farmers on Contractual agreements

Mr. Mwailu displays produce document form which the farmers are expected to be signing after produce delivery

 

 

Boniface explaining to farmers how to use ACT calendar as a tool of trade to create awareness in CA

Farmers filling the market survey questionnaire

Farmers receiving Cannavallia and Mucuna cover crop seeds after the meeting

Boniface training the farmers at the demonstration plots in Wiyumiririe location in Laikipia Central

 

Peter Kuria demonstrating how to use a Jab planter

 

Peter Kuria (Program officer-Kenya) sensitizing the farmers on contractual agreements.

 

 Field Office,

African Conservation Tillage Network (ACT),

Laikipia County, Kenya.

Email-boniface.njenga@act-africa.org

 

CA4FS PROGRAM LAIKIPIA BLOG CA4FS LAIKIPIA BLOG

Conservation Agriculture for Food security and Wealth creation

Conservation Agriculture for Food security and Wealth creation

CA is a technology which is based on the principles of minimum soil disturbance; maximum soil cover; mixing and rotating crops. The adoption of conservation agriculture techniques is helping farmers to increase their yields and conserve natural resources. It focuses on building farmers’ knowledge and skills, using resources they have available and inputs that can be obtained locally. Since adopting this approach, farmers are reporting increases in yields of sorghum, millet and maize. Yield increases have been observed over three years, despite adverse climatic conditions. Forexample a farmer called Charles Kihara in Laikipia county observed that  he harvested 25bags of maize in one acre under CA from the previous low of 6-7 bags using conventional means.

The economic gains from Conservation Agriculture are easily identified on farms of nearly all types and sizes. .Farmers have experienced decreased tractor hours, farm labor, machinery costs, fertilizer, insecticide, fungicide and herbicide, and cost savings from reduced contour terracing and replanting of crops following heavy rains. The economic gains from Conservation Agriculture are easily identified on farms of nearly all types and sizes. Data from southern Brazil show a dramatic reduction - 68.3% - in man-hours/ha, which is the most important factor influencing adoption of CA. Part of the satisfaction which CA generates, derives from the ability to undertake other economic activities in the time saved, and thus increase total income.

Although conservation agriculture (CA) has been around for decades, it's only lately started getting noticed by policymakers as an option to generate an increase in wealth among rural population.Both policymakers and rural development practitioners increasingly recognize that a short-term focus on creating jobs or increasing income is insufficient to generate sustainable rural development or achieve a long-term reduction in rural poverty.The economic benefits at the national level are very important and they strongly argue for policy support for example the estimated soil erosion benefits (avoided losses from sheet, rill and wind erosion) for the United States under CA 1996 ranged from US$90.3 million to US$288.8 million. Conservation agriculture is practiced on about 57 million ha, or on about 3 percent of the 1 500 million ha of arable land worldwide. Most of the land under CA is in North and South America. The level of CA adoption in sub-Saharan Africa is below 10000ha.

CA practice as practiced by Margaret Wangui of Wakulima SHG in  laikipia county. Photo taken on 9^th may 2014

 

Farmer's Conventional Practice