- The farmers have not only boosted their crop yields but also reduced their dependency on costly chemical inputs.
- Effective IPM Association, a non-governmental organization based in Ruiru, has been at the forefront of supporting the farmers by providing training in organic farming methods.
Image: HANDOUT
Small-scale farmers in Kiambu County are experiencing a significant transformation in their livelihoods by embracing organic farming methods and crafting their plant-based pesticides.
The farmers have not only boosted their crop yields but also reduced their dependency on costly chemical inputs.
The shift towards organic practices, driven by the discovery of local plants with natural pest-repellent properties, has allowed farmers to cultivate healthier, more sustainable produce, leading to increased profits and keeping lifestyle diseases at bay.
Effective IPM Association, a non-governmental organization based in Ruiru, has been at the forefront of supporting the farmers by providing training in organic farming methods.
In addition, they assist farmers by testing their soil and offering guidance on selecting the most suitable seeds for planting.
According to Dr Nehemia Mihindo who is the CEO Effective IPM Association, the farmers have for decades been facing challenges with their crops before they intervened.
The use of chemical or synthetic pesticides, he said, has not only been costly but also harmed the environment, depleting the soil's richness and affecting the health of the community.
Dr Mihindo stated that his organization has made significant progress in transforming farming practices in Kiambu and other regions across the country, with many farmers transitioning to organic methods.
He further asserted that the farmers, once reliant on expensive and harmful chemicals, had found a sustainable, cost-effective solution in their own backyard adding that their story inspired more farmers across the region, proving that the answers to modern challenges often lie in the wisdom of organic practice.
Dr Duncan Gichuki, a scientist responsible for soil sampling, advised farmers to conduct soil tests to ensure they select the right seeds for the specific soil type.
This practice, he said, is crucial because planting the wrong seeds in unsuitable soil can lead to poor crop yields or even crop failure.
Gichuki said Soil testing helps farmers understand the nutrient composition and pH levels of their soil, enabling them to make informed decisions about which crops will thrive in their particular environment.
"Ultimately, this can lead to better agricultural productivity and sustainability,” he said.
He also quipped that they have been training farmers on how to make traditional organic pesticides.
Esther Wariara Nganga who hails from the Githunguri constituency told journalists at her farm that since she embraced organic farming, she has been able to educate her two girls and they have been able to put food on the table.
Wariara said that they typically use traditional plants with pest-repellent properties, such as chilli, Mexican marigold and the toxic yellow flowers of Teprosia vogelii .
“These plants are toxic to insects, making them an effective and eco-friendly option for pest control in organic farming. Unlike chemical alternatives, this traditional concoction is safe for the soil, crops, and the people who consume the produce as well as helping in mitigating the effects of climate change,” Wariara said.
She noted that most farmers are embracing the practice.
“Farmers have noticed that their crops are thriving—healthier and more resilient than ever before. The soil is no longer burdened by harmful chemicals and it has regained its fertility, yielding bountiful harvests,” she said.
"As the seasons passed, Githunguri became known not only for its fertile lands but also for its pioneering spirit."
Nganga Mbugua who also rears organic tilapia fish among other types of farming said the farming was cheap and easy to maintain.