A group of farmers and agripreneurs from across the county, accompanied by members of the Makueni County Assembly’s Agriculture Sectoral Committee, recently visited the Yatta Christian Impact Mission (CIM) farm for a one-day benchmarking tour. The visit focused on exploring innovative and sustainable farming practices aimed at enhancing productivity and fostering eco-friendly agricultural methods.
The tour provided an opportunity for participants to gain firsthand knowledge of modern farming techniques and learn practical approaches to sustainable agriculture. The farmers explored various demonstration plots on the farm, which showcased diverse crops such as onions, maize, sunflower, pawpaws, bananas, and kitchen garden setups. These demonstrations emphasized how diverse crop cultivation can contribute to food security and economic empowerment.
The host of the event, CIM Proprietor Bishop Masika, emphasized the importance of making farming a continuous, year-round activity. He highlighted the necessity of investing in water storage solutions to ensure consistent agricultural productivity, particularly in regions prone to erratic rainfall. “Endeavour in commercializing farming for economic empowerment,” he urged, emphasizing that agriculture holds significant potential for transforming livelihoods when approached as a business.
Farmers were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices such as water conservation, crop rotation, and organic farming to enhance soil health and productivity. The tour also featured practical advice on managing small-scale irrigation systems and utilizing available resources effectively. These strategies aim to maximize yields while minimizing environmental impact, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainable agriculture.
The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing, with participants engaging in interactive sessions to exchange ideas and experiences. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the hands-on approach of the visit, noting that the practical demonstrations provided valuable insights into improving their farming techniques. Discussions also touched on the potential of value addition and market linkages to boost farmers’ income by tapping into broader commercial opportunities.
Joyce Mutua, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, led the delegation during the tour. She urged farmers to implement the lessons learned from the visit in their own farming activities and share this knowledge with others in their communities. “The skills learned here have the potential to transform Makueni’s agriculture sector and improve the livelihoods of our farmers,” she noted, emphasizing the broader impact of collective effort in scaling up sustainable practices across the region.
The event was also attended by several key leaders, including the Majority Leader and members of the Agriculture Sectoral Committee, who reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives that empower farmers. The presence of Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyalo further underscored the county government’s dedication to fostering innovation in agriculture.
Participants left the event inspired to adopt new strategies and technologies that can address the challenges facing modern agriculture, such as climate change and resource scarcity. By applying the knowledge gained during the visit, farmers can improve yields, reduce costs, and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the county.
The Yatta Christian Impact Mission farm continues to serve as a model of excellence in sustainable agriculture, demonstrating how innovative techniques and resource management can significantly improve productivity. This benchmarking tour reinforced the need for collaboration between farmers, local leaders, and institutions to drive agricultural transformation and create a resilient, thriving farming community.
