The year 2022 has been riddled with major changes in the country that are of importance to the farmer. The major one being the change of government following general elections held in the month of August, and the many decisions made impacting on actors in the agricultural sector. Furtherfrom the global incidents that have led to skyrocketing food prices, and high costs of farm inputs, to the government interventions on incentivized fertilizers to boost the poor production brought about by the effects of climate change. Not to mention the looming debate on importation of Genetically Modified seeds. All these have left the small holder farmer on unfamiliar grounds, seeking answers to challenges that seem beyond control. Yet, production has to continue in spite of all the emerging changes.
This edition features a main story that documents the journey of farmers in Kirinyaga County in the process of reducing application of synthetic fertilizers and adopting integrated pest management approaches, within their reach. The edition also brings to the spotlight the eggplant, which few farmers in Kenya grow, despite its nutritional benefits and economic value. Read more to find out about ‘Azolla’ a nutritional fern that farmers know little about. This and much more, only in The Organic Farmer Magazine.