@Alicewangechi
As the heavy rains continue, people living in landslide-prone areas have been cautioned to be on the look out for signs of earth movement to avoid loss of lives.
But in some parts of Kiambu county, farmers have stepped up soil conservation measures to protect their farms from landslides while ensuring they harvest as much rainwater as possible.
In Igamba village, Gatundu North, farmers have invested in water harvesting facilities to tap runoff water in their farms.
The farmers have dug trenches to break the flow of runoff water and established water pans.
Farmer David Mburu said his two-acre farm previously experienced heavy soil erosion due to its hilly terrain.
Mburu explained that he learnt soil conservation measures when he served a three-year jail term at Nairobi West prison, and that the skills have proved effective over the years.
The prison has been partnering with Rodi Kenya, an organisation that promotes a food secure, healthy and crime free society, to empower prisoners with rehabilitation programmes.
The organisation collaborates with the Kenya Prisons Services to educate prisoners on the best farming practices in agroforestry and organic farming.
Rodi Kenya has also been working with communities to enhance soil erosion prevention through effective harvesting of rainwater and floods.
Mburu said since the onset of the El Nino rains, he has been collecting runoff water through a water pan with the capacity to hold 50,000 cubic metres of water in his farm.
“This water will come in handy when the rains are over and will help me to continue with my farming activities,” he said.
Mburu heads a group of farmers in Karega, Kagunyi and Kahedime-ini villages that has about 100 farmers engaging in organic farming and conservation agriculture.
Another farmer, Gilbert Mucheru from Kianganga village in Mang’u has embarked on organic growing of highland arrow roots, bananas and maize.
The farmers have undergone training on formulation of organic fertilisers and compost manure that has enabled Mucheru to make enough for use on his farm and sale.
“Many farmers come to my farm to buy organic fertiliser which is an indication that it provides higher yields,” Mucheru said.
Monica Njoroge, a field officer with Rodi Kenya, said the concept of embracing soil conservation and organic farming has made many families self-sufficient as they are able to produce high quality food throughout the year.
“Farmers are now able to get more returns to support their families and raise their standards of living,” Njoroge said.