More than 400 farmers in Kirinyaga County have embraced organic farming, a move driven by rising global demand and growing health concerns linked to agrochemicals. Organized into 14 groups, these farmers have formed a cooperative society with support from the county government. The cooperative not only enhances their access to markets but also provides financial assistance to help expand their farming ventures.
Organic farming, which avoids synthetic chemicals in favour of ecological pest control and natural fertilisers like animal waste and nitrogen-fixing cover crops, is gaining popularity in the region. The method is being promoted as a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture.
The county government is actively training farmers in organic practices to help reduce the use of harmful agrochemicals, especially in horticultural farming. There is growing awareness that long-term exposure to synthetic inputs could be linked to health issues such as cancer and neurological disorders. As such, promoting organic methods is viewed as a proactive approach to safeguarding public health.
The shift to organic farming is not just about health it also offers strong economic incentives. Organically grown produce often fetches higher prices in the market due to increasing demand. This demand is both local and international, as more consumers seek chemical-free food products. For farmers, the transition translates into better earnings and reduced input costs, given the high prices of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.
In Kimunye, Gichugu constituency, one farmer has been practicing organic farming since 2019. Specialising in purple cabbage, he highlights how the move to organic farming has significantly improved both his income and his customers’ health. He collaborates with both the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network and the county government to promote organic practices, and he believes the demand for such products is much higher than the current supply.
The cooperative structure has also improved the farmers’ market access and bargaining power. By selling as a group, they are able to negotiate better prices and secure larger, more consistent markets. This collective strength is crucial in helping the farmers expand and scale up their operations.
Another farmer emphasised the dual benefits of profitability and health. According to him, organic farming is proving to be more lucrative while offering safer food to the community. He credits government support as a major factor in their growing success, noting that extension services and training are key enablers.
Beyond profits and health, organic farming is also being praised for its environmental benefits. It promotes soil health, biodiversity, and reduces pollution caused by chemical runoff. The county government sees this as part of a larger sustainable agriculture strategy aimed at food security, environmental protection, and public health.
Reducing dependency on chemical inputs is a major goal for the county’s agricultural department. With ongoing efforts to recruit more farmers into organic farming, the county hopes to increase the number of participants to 700 within the year. Officials believe that these efforts will have long-term benefits not just for individual farmers, but for the entire county’s food system.
As more farmers embrace this approach, Kirinyaga is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture, aligning local efforts with global trends in healthy and environmentally conscious food production.
