How farmer transformed his farm into a thriving enterprise in 18 months
Not long ago, Nathan Langat’s farm in Neisuit, Nakuru County, depicted a scene of struggle, with scanty maize crops amidst the persistent crop damages by livestock due to lack of proper fencing.
However, a turning point came in late 2022 when Nathan attended a farmers’ training organized by WWF-Kenya under the Integrated River Njoro Catchment Management for Enhanced Ecosystem Services and Livelihoods (NEESEL) project. This five-year initiative, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation through WWF-Switzerland , aims to empower farmers with sustainable agricultural practices.
“The training emphasized agroforestry, water resource management, and food security. At the time, I was heavily invested in maize cultivation, but the yields were disappointing,” shared Nathan, who was inspired to invite WWF-Kenya to his farm.
During the visit that was also attended by a team from the Nakuru County agriculture department, WWF-Kenya recommended diversification into high-value crop farming, fencing of the farm, and the embracing of terracing to combat soil erosion. With this guidance and dedication to sustainable practices, Nathan witnessed remarkable improvements in his farm’s productivity within 18 months.
Originally planning to invest in transportation, Nathan redirected his funds to install a water pan and drip irrigation system. He also subdivided his land to accommodate a variety of crops, including tomatoes, passion fruits, oranges, and dragon fruit. Venturing into African nightshade, a traditional high-value vegetable, proved fruitful economically and ecologically, as they also served as cover crops.
Nathan currently harvests vegetables three times a week, yielding at least 100 kilograms, which he sells at Sh50 per kilogram to local vendors. Around the same time, the project distributed 5,000 Hass avocado seedlings to about 500 farmers in Nessuit and Mauche Wards to promote sustainable agriculture in the River Njoro Basin.
Nathan received 10 seedlings from the project and bought an additional 123, with a remarkable 98% survival rate and successful grafting techniques leading to a flourishing avocado orchard. He has since employed three farmhands to support him in managing the farm.
By Leopold Obi — Communications Officer, Kenya Rift Lakes Landscape
