For many years, maize has been the dominant crop in Siaya County, Kenya, playing a significant role in both food security and the local economy. By mid-year, most households typically exhaust their maize stocks, relying heavily on the crop for sustenance. According to the Siaya County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027, maize farming contributes to over 45% of the county’s total household food intake. However, recent changes are reshaping the agricultural landscape, as farmers are increasingly turning to sunflower farming to boost their livelihoods and diversify their income.
The shift towards sunflower farming represents a pivotal change for the county’s farmers, many of whom have faced numerous challenges in maize production. Low yields, erratic rainfall, and rising food prices have left many struggling to secure enough food for their families. In response, modern farming practices, coupled with the introduction of sunflower as a viable alternative, are offering new hope. Sunflower cultivation is proving to be a transformative solution that improves productivity, profitability, and sustainability in the region.
A key player in this agricultural revolution is the Aboke Farmers’ Service Centre, founded in 2024 by local farmer David Onyunde. The center is serving as both a model farm and a training hub for over 1,200 farmers. Here, farmers are introduced to modern agricultural techniques, including soil health management, crop nutrition, and climate-smart practices. Onyunde’s approach has yielded impressive results, with his model farm producing up to 600 kg of collard greens weekly from just 0.5 acres of land. The hands-on training and demonstration farms are allowing farmers to enhance their production and profitability.
Sunflower farming, in particular, has become a game-changer for Siaya’s farmers. The crop is well-suited to the county’s semi-arid climate, requiring less water compared to maize and maturing within a short 90 to 120 days. The growing demand for edible oils in Kenya, coupled with the country’s efforts to reduce reliance on imported vegetable oils, presents a golden opportunity for local farmers to capitalize on sunflower production. In 2023, Kenya imported over 700,000 metric tonnes of vegetable oils, a costly expenditure that the government is keen to reduce.
Through collaboration with organizations such as Yara Kenya and other agricultural stakeholders, the Siaya County government is helping farmers develop the sunflower value chain. This support includes providing quality seeds, linking farmers to processing factories, and establishing organized markets for sunflower products. Onyunde’s farm has become a testament to the financial potential of sunflower farming. His success has inspired many neighboring farmers to make the switch from maize to sunflower cultivation, with the crop offering more stable earnings and reduced dependency on unpredictable weather patterns.
The CIDP has also recognized oilseed crops, including sunflowers, as crucial drivers of agricultural diversification in Siaya. By diversifying beyond maize, farmers are not only improving their food security but also increasing their household incomes by an estimated 30% within the next five years. Onyunde’s efforts have extended far beyond his own farm, as he manages multiple demonstration farms and has empowered widows through agricultural initiatives. He has also created employment opportunities for youth in the region, helping to drive economic growth and foster long-term sustainability in agriculture.
The adoption of technology and knowledge sharing is central to the success of this agricultural transformation. Yara’s Knowledge Centres and its 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework play a vital role in helping farmers optimize their fertilizer use, ensuring crops receive the right nutrients at the right time. Additionally, the centers facilitate field days where farmers learn about the latest innovations in agriculture, including improved soil water retention methods and regenerative farming practices. These initiatives are promoting knowledge exchange and empowering farmers to adopt best practices that enhance productivity.
As more farmers embrace crop diversification in Siaya, the region is entering a new era of agricultural resilience, innovation, and economic empowerment. With continued support from stakeholders, strategic collaborations, and farmer-led initiatives, Siaya’s agriculture is set to flourish, offering greater food security, higher incomes, and a more sustainable future for its farming communities.
