By Chrisphine Okoth and Derricks Omondi
Kisumu city has a population of about 600,000 according to the 2019 census. With such a population there is high demand for, not only social amenities but also food. Getting food has over the past been a challenge especially for those living in informal settlements.
In nyalenda informal settlement a group of farmers has pulled together to help in addressing food insecurity, an initiative whose fruits have been on the upward trajectory. Working under the umbrella of United Destiny Shapers (UDS), the farmers have purchased parcels of land where they grow vegetables shared amongst themselves and the surplus sold out to other customers in the market.
Under the patronage of Job Oluoch, the farmers have developed urban farming techniques to utilize the minimum space while maximizing their output
‘’Here, we use vertical gardens, which are compacted gardens piling upward and occupying the free upward space. We use this type of garden to grow mostly kales and onions,” says Job.
The vertical garden techniques have helped them in producing tones of vegetables since its inception 8 years ago.
‘’We supply two local markets with vegetables, which has helped in reducing the importation of vegetables from the neighboring counties. A larger chunk we use to feed members. We are now food secure,” says Job.
Penina Achieng Osewe has been doing urban farming for some time now, she uses hanging garden technique, which comprises of used tins filled with soil. Vegetables and fruits are then planted. This technique too occupies minimum space
‘’Farming has really changed my life my children are in school and I have bought a piece of land where am planning to build my house,’ says Achieng
These farmers are also using their farms as learning models. According to Job Oluoch, learning institutions and schools are their regular visitors, they visit to learn and adopt these techniques that are changing the lives within their reach.
‘’Besides feeding the community we offer free knowledge to farmers, institutions and students who regularly visits our farms. A case study is Wonderland Academy within Nyalenda, whose grade 4 pupils visited us to learn more on vertical farming.” posed Oluoch.
According to Loyce Otieno, a trader at Kibuye open air market, most of their vegetables supplies are from urban farming. She attributes the quality of such vegetables to organic approach to farming.
Kisumu county government, through the Department of Agriculture has teamed up with these farmers to help boost their activities as well as ensuring that the residents are food secure.
According to Kisumu county executive committee member for agriculture Mr. Gilchrist Okuom, their support and that of Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] has greatly helped the farmers by providing trainings and market for their produce.
”We work hand in hand with farmers .We fund their activities occasionally. We also assign extension officers to enrich their farming skills.” says Okuom.
Mr. Okuom, however, says a lot of short comings are hindering the realization of this type of farming in urban areas as the ministry is still being under funded, while youths perceive agriculture as a low ranking profession.
”Agriculture is still being under funded across the country, as you know the Malabo conference talked about 10%, as a country, we are still doing 6%. Another challenge is the uptake of youths, who get into bodaboda and abandon agriculture,” Okumu added.
In as much as these farmers are reaping from urban farming, they still face challenges including market fluctuation. This is seasonal and occasionally resulting to losses. They also have insufficient technical agricultural skills to improve their agricultural activities. A sentiment that has been echoed by Elizabeth Atieno, a farmer in the informal settlement.
”We should be enlightened on how we can use modern farming technology to realize greater yields,” says Elizabeth Atieno.
Food security is one of the country’s big four agenda being championed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Farmers in Nyalenda have vowed to make this dream a reality.
This story was first published by Dala Fm
