In recent years, nomadic communities in Kenya, particularly those in arid and semi-arid areas, have faced significant challenges due to prolonged droughts, climate change, and the loss of livestock to hunger and diseases. These challenges have driven many to seek alternative livelihoods, with some turning to farming. However, the unreliable rainfall in these regions often hampers agricultural productivity, making it difficult to sustain crops.
To address these challenges, Yathrib Primary School in Garissa has implemented an innovative agricultural project aimed at empowering students and the surrounding community to adopt smart farming techniques. Supported by 4BM and M-lugha organizations, the project focuses on using cone gardens to grow crops such as kale, spinach, and other vegetables. These cone gardens are a form of vertical gardening that maximizes the use of limited space and water, making them ideal for the arid conditions of Garissa County.
Sheila Kidenda, the project manager at 4BM, explained that the initiative was designed to teach both students and community members how to use smart technology for farming. The goal is to enable people to grow crops like sukuma (kale) and spinach in their home gardens or school compounds. Kidenda emphasized that this project serves as a pilot program, with plans to expand to other schools in the region.
The project has already yielded several successful harvests, which have been used to feed the school and shared with local families. In addition to providing food, the project has also served as a learning opportunity for the students, many of whom had never been exposed to farming practices before. Teacher Evans Kenga, who has been overseeing the project, noted that the students have shown a keen interest in learning about smart farming techniques and have actively participated in practical lessons.
One of the key aspects of the project is the use of cone gardens, which were developed by Kipruto Silas, a local innovator. Kipruto came up with the idea after realizing that the limited space on his land could be used more efficiently. The cone gardening method allows for the planting of hundreds of seedlings in a small area, significantly increasing crop yield. This method also reduces water usage, as only 20 liters are needed to water one cone garden per day, making it an efficient solution in areas where water is scarce.
The cone gardens are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material and are designed with a circumference of 15 feet at the base, tapering to a smaller size at the top to leave space for planting. This design maximizes space and water efficiency, while also reducing labor, as the compact setup requires less maintenance.
The success of the project in Garissa demonstrates that even in arid regions, it is possible to improve agricultural productivity through the use of water-efficient technologies and climate-smart farming practices. By adopting these methods, farmers in the Northeastern region can not only increase their crop yields but also build resilience to the effects of climate change. The collaboration between the school, the local community, and organizations like 4BM and M-lugha is essential in ensuring the sustainability of these practices and making them accessible to more people.
In conclusion, the Yathrib Primary School project highlights the potential of smart farming to transform agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. With continued support and the expansion of such initiatives, communities in Garissa and other similar areas can overcome the challenges posed by climate change and improve their food security.
