Nearly 10,000 small-hold coffee farmers in Gusii can now benefit from a training program on diverse crop growing methods. This initiative, led by the Gusii Regenerative Agriculture Landscape (GuRAL) project, aims to maximize crop production through improved techniques.
GuRAL, supported by the global non-profit Rainforest Alliance, recently completed a three-day “training of trainers” program. This equips selected farmers with the knowledge to teach others about better production methods and increased profitability.
The training which was held at the Nyamache Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Nyamache town, Nyamache Sub County, focused mainly on regenerative agriculture. Project Manager Peter Okong’o explained that this approach aims to create healthy and productive farms while restoring the land and preserving natural resources like water and soil.
The cooperative society has over 5,000 coffee farmers as members, played a key role in facilitating this event. The region which is located in Kisii county boasts a diverse topography with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level. While some areas feature gentle slopes, others have steep hillsides with some reaching even higher elevations. Okong’o emphasizes that GuRAL’s core mission is to improve livelihoods by enhancing farming techniques and promoting sustainable land-use planning, ultimately aiming for both increased productivity and environmental responsibility.
Addressing Coffee Decline and Promoting Sustainability
Okong’o highlighted the declining coffee crop performance in Kisii and Nyamira Counties. He urged farmers to actively share the acquired skills with others, promoting a cascading effect of knowledge transfer. He also commended the President’s initiative of a national tree-planting day, encouraging farmers to plant trees compatible with coffee cultivation.
The training program has already been conducted in Marani, Kiomoncha, Nyanchogu, and Namakoma. Okong’o emphasizes the importance of environmental preservation for successful regenerative agriculture. This includes promoting biodiversity and providing firewood for the farmers.
Knowledge and Skills for Increased Productivity and Income
The training focused on coffee farming practices that enhance crop quality and ultimately lead to higher yields and income for farmers. Okong’o encouraged crop diversification, suggesting the inclusion of beans, vegetables, and native trees that require less water. He advised against planting eucalyptus or other water-intensive trees alongside coffee due to their negative environmental impact.
Okong’o suggests planting densities of 1,000 coffee seedlings and grevillea trees per acre with a spacing of 10 meters between each. He further encouraged farmers to integrate fruit trees like bananas and avocados into their farms. This diversification provides a safety net against losses that may be caused due to extreme weather, disease outbreaks, or market fluctuations. It also offers farmers additional income streams, mitigating the impact of potential crop failures.
Rainforest Alliance, partnering with GuRAL, has provided 3,000 Hass avocado seedlings, a high-yielding variety.
Farmers Express Gratitude and Hope for the Future
Christopher Nyabuto, a farmer who participated in the training, expressed his appreciation for the valuable agricultural knowledge gained and pledged to be a positive change agent within the community. He requested further support from the Alliance, highlighting Nyamache’s potential for even greater coffee production compared to other areas in the county.
Eunice Moraa from Suguta in Nyamache praised the Alliance for organizing the training, acknowledging its potential to significantly improve farmers’ productivity. This, in turn, will enable them to meet their basic needs, such as paying for their children’s education and improving their standard of living.