Farmers in Meru are increasingly turning to agroecology to improve soil health, combat pests and diseases, and adapt to climate change. By replacing harmful chemicals with biopesticides and adopting sustainable farming techniques, they are not only ensuring healthier harvests but also increasing their income.
Benedicta Nkirote, the owner of Benedicta Farm, is one of the farmers championing this approach. She grows onions and bean varieties such as nyota, angaza, and yellow beans. Her journey into agroecology began when she received training from Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (Pelum Kenya).
“I’ve learnt so much from these training sessions, and I apply the knowledge in my farm while also sharing it with my community,” she said. “I teach farmers about water harvesting, soil conservation, composting, and other sustainable practices. I’ve also encouraged people to work together to improve their livelihoods.”
Nkirote has trained over 200 women across eight groups in soil fertility management and water harvesting. By implementing these techniques, she has reduced farming costs and increased her yields. She credits the bokashi composting method, which uses fermentation to break down food waste, for maintaining soil health and reducing reliance on expensive fertilisers.
“People are becoming aware of the dangers of chemical use. Switching to biopesticides has been a game-changer. We have seen remarkable improvements in our farms,” she said.
Inspired by Nkirote’s success, Isabella Nkaragacha from the Ntumburi Farmers Group has also transitioned to agroecology. She now focuses on soil health, drip irrigation, and bio-pesticides, which have led to better nutrition for her family.
Similarly, Naomi Nkatha, secretary of the Hope Women’s Group in Marurui, has benefited from sustainable farming practices. By using compost instead of chemical fertilisers, she has reduced costs and improved yields. “I’ve realised that with the right techniques, farming can be affordable and productive without heavy machinery,” she said.
Rosinah Mbenya, programme operations manager at Pelum Kenya, believes agroecology is key to food security and a healthy nation. She emphasizes the importance of soil health, seed saving, and agro-biodiversity in achieving sustainable agriculture.
As more Meru farmers adopt agroecology, they are proving that sustainable practices can lead to a prosperous and resilient agricultural sector.
