Leading from the front: The inspiring journey of Ronald Diang'a into regenerative farming

Ronald Diang'a with a six-kilogramme cabbage at the model farm.

It is in the middle of Kenya's breadbasket; an almost silent but amazing transformation has begun to take hold.

At the heart of this is Ronald Diang'a, a farmer, innovator, environmentalist, technology and innovation professional. With his trailblazing efforts in regenerative farming, he has become one of the pioneers of agriculture in a country plagued by the dual climate change crisis and food insecurity. His story is of vision, grit, and unbending resolve in a quest to leave behind a future that shall endure for ages.

32-year-old Ronald Diang'a took a circuitous route to farming. Born and raised in a farming community, he studied geology at the University of Nairobi, fascinated by the secrets of the earth sciences. Then, one day, he found himself in Israel's Mashav programme, one of the world leaders in agricultural innovation and modern farming methods.

Looking back, he says it was a life-changing experience. "I saw how cutting-edge technology and strategic practices could revolutionise agriculture. It awakened a passion in me that I didn’t know existed.”

With new knowledge and a profound sense of purpose, Diang’a returned to Kenya to co-found the Kenarava Group, a strategic advisory firm addressing climate change and food security. Central to his mission is the Kenarava Model Farm, a living laboratory and innovation hub that showcases the transformative potential of technology and regenerative agriculture in Africa.

The harsh realities of climate change struck home for Diang'a in April 2024 when torrential rains destroyed his tomato crop. Instead of letting it break him, he saw the setback as a rallying cry for change. "It was a wake-up call," he recalls. "Traditional farming methods were no match for the challenges we face today. We needed a new approach to survive and thrive in such adversity.".

Fertiliser at the Kenarava Model Farm.

This epiphany led him to embrace regenerative agriculture—a holistic farming system emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. Employing techniques like crop rotation, manure integration, minimal tillage, and solar-powered drip irrigation, Diang’a restored his soils, increased yields, and reduced input costs.

Diang’a credits much of his success to participating in the Yara Leadership Academy, a program that taught him essential business and strategic planning skills. "YLA taught me to view farming as a business, not just a passion. It provided me with the skills to create systems that enhance efficiency and enable scaling," he elaborates. Currently, the Kenarava Model Farm is one of the products of what regenerative agriculture can do. In precision fertilizer application, advanced irrigation systems, and natural soil amendments, Diang'a has built an economically viable and environmentally sound model.

His vision is more significant than his farm. With Yara and others, Diang'a has been training hundreds of farmers on tools and knowledge for sustainability. Field days at the Kenarava Model Farm are a staple in local agricultural education, and they feature hands-on demonstrations of regenerative techniques. Introducing the Yara FarmCare App during these sessions has made a difference for farmers, who can make data-driven decisions to maximize yields and conserve resources.

Diang’a is passionate about empowering youth and women in agriculture, seeing them as the foundation for a resilient future. “Empowering young people and women isn’t just about farming; it’s about creating a sustainable future,” he asserts.

It hasn't been an easy ride. High initial costs for advanced irrigation systems and organic soil treatments are still challenging, and it takes time to convince skeptical farmers to adopt new practices. "Change takes time," Diang'a admits. "But when farmers see the results—healthier soils, improved yields, and reduced costs—they realize the value of investing in sustainability."

Looking ahead, Diang’a envisions a continent where regenerative agriculture becomes the norm. He believes Africa can lead the world in sustainable farming, leveraging technology and innovation to address its unique challenges. “My dream is to create a network of farmers, researchers, and policymakers working together to build a resilient agricultural system. With the right partnerships and tools, Africa can be a global leader in food security and environmental conservation.”

The story of Ronald Diang'a stands as a turning point in stories, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can make. Through his passion for regenerative agriculture, he transformed adversity into opportunity and laid the groundwork for a sustainable future. As the sun sets over the lush fields of the Kenarava Model Farm, Diang'a's work is clearly not just farming- it is a movement. His relentless commitment to innovation, resilience, and community empowerment is a beacon of hope for Kenya and beyond. In Ronald Diang'a, Africa has found not just a farmer but a visionary leader shaping the future of agriculture.