Empowering Tea Farmers: Diversification Training to Boost Income and Sustainability

A group of tea farmers from Murang’a County, renowned for its tea cultivation, recently participated in a training session aimed at enhancing their agricultural practices and income stability. The initiative, organized by the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) association, focuses on crop diversification to help farmers mitigate the financial risks associated with fluctuating tea prices.

The training, held at a demonstration farm in Kangari, Kigumo Sub County, drew hundreds of farmers eager to learn about alternative crops and farming techniques that could supplement their tea income. The event underscored the importance of diversifying agricultural practices to achieve greater financial stability and resilience.

Sarah Wambui, the PELUM zonal coordinator for Central and Nairobi regions, explained that the organization, in collaboration with the Organic Agriculture Centre of Kenya (OACK), is dedicated to helping small-scale farmers expand their agricultural activities. The training is part of a broader initiative to improve income generation from farms and address the challenges posed by fluctuating tea prices.

“Many tea-growing farmers have struggled to maximize their farm’s potential and generate enough income to support their families,” Wambui said. She noted that the instability in tea prices often leaves farmers grappling with losses and unable to meet their financial obligations, such as paying for their children’s education.

PELUM’s approach includes working with 18 partner organizations to promote sustainable resource management through the use of bio-inputs, organic farming practices, and the inclusion of youth and women in agribusiness. This holistic strategy aims to foster agroecology and empower women, who have traditionally been involved in farming but often see their efforts go unrewarded.

OACK’s executive director, David Karanja, highlighted the training’s focus on empowering tea farmers to diversify their income sources. “Tea-growing areas have the potential to produce sufficient foodstuff for both consumption and sale,” Karanja said. He emphasized the importance of utilizing local resources effectively to enhance farm productivity and income.

The training also introduced participants to the cultivation of herbs and spices, such as paprika, mint, oregano, lemongrass, and rosemary. These crops not only offer additional income but also have medicinal benefits. Farmers were shown how these herbs can be grown alongside tea, maximizing the use of their land.

Additionally, the training covered the benefits of biogas technology. Farmers learned how to produce biogas from cow dung, which can be used for cooking and as a soil enhancer. Wilfred Wanyoike, the zonal representative of HomeBiogas, demonstrated how mixing cow dung with water can generate enough energy to cook for several hours. This technology helps reduce fuel costs and provides a sustainable energy solution.

Farmers like Mwangi Kagore, who traveled from Ndaka-ini in Gatanga Sub County, expressed their enthusiasm for the new knowledge and practices. Kagore, who is part of an organic farming group, noted that while they had previously used organic manure on their tea crops, they were unaware of the full potential of these practices. “The training has shown us how a small farm can be productive through crop diversification,” Kagore said. He is now interested in planting herbs in the additional space on his farm to increase his income.

The benefits of this training are evident in the farmers’ responses and the practical applications demonstrated. By learning about crop diversification, biogas production, and organic farming techniques, the farmers are better equipped to enhance their income and ensure more stable financial conditions for their families.

However, there are challenges to consider. The initial costs of transitioning to diversified crops and installing biogas systems can be high. Therefore, financial support or incentives may be necessary to facilitate this transition. Additionally, ensuring that all interested farmers have access to training, particularly those in remote areas, is crucial for widespread adoption.

In conclusion, the training organized by PELUM and OACK represents a significant step towards empowering tea farmers in Murang’a County. By adopting diversified farming practices and sustainable technologies, farmers can improve their economic stability, support their families more effectively, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural sector.