Soil and water conservation proving fruitful for Nakuru farmers

A farmer in the Njoro basin supervising his farm. Through training on water and soil conservation by WWF-Kenya, farmers in the area are adopting soil conservation farming such as contour ploughing. PHOTO | OBI OWINO | WWF-KENYA

How does your approach to managing soil and water on your farm affect your harvest? Well, for hundreds of smallholder farmers in the Njoro Basin, Nakuru County, the answer is clear: it can make all the difference.

“I used to manage only eight bags of potatoes from my farm but I got 20 bags of 50kg each, thanks to certified seeds and soil conservation practices. Additionally, I cultivate indigenous vegetables for home consumption and I have planted Brachiaria grass in blocks and strips,” said Wesley Langat, adding that the grass has not only stabilized the soil but also serves as livestock fodder for his three dairy cows.

Collaborating with the Nakuru County Department of Agriculture, WWF-Kenya provided comprehensive training on soil and water conservation in 2022 as part of the Integrated River Njoro Catchment Management for Enhanced Ecosystem Services and Livelihoods (NEESEL) Project, a WWF-Switzerland funded initiative. The farmers were equipped with techniques such as constructing terraces and contour plowing to curb soil erosion, particularly prevalent in the area’s hilly terrain.

WWF-Kenya Team during a visit to various farmers trained and supported by the NEESEL project.PHOTOS | OBI OWINO | WWF-KENYA

Following the training sessions, about 500 farmers received valuable resources, including Hass avocado seedlings, certified potato seeds and Brachiaria grass.

Recently, WWF-Kenya conducted visits to several farms in the area. We witnessed remarkable transformations over the past 18 months, including on Nathan Langat’s farm, which now boasts a thriving assortment of crops such as managu (black nightshade), passion fruits, tomatoes, oranges, and avocados. This success story underscores the significant impact of effective soil and water management practices on agricultural productivity and yields.

Wesley Langat feeding his dairy cows. The farmers grows Brachiaria grass and Kakamega 1 Napier varieties that have not only stabilized his soil but also serve as livestock fodder for his three dairy cows.

Following the training Nathan, who used to cultivate maize, invited the WWF team to his farm.

“They recommended that I embrace terracing and diversify into high-value crops. Today my farm is teeming with fruits and traditional vegetables which I sell to local buyers,” said Nathan.

By Leopold Obi — Communications Officer, Kenya Rift Lakes Landscape