Farmers Advised To Grow Short Seasoned Hardy Crops As El-Nino Beckons

By Isabella Maua

Western Kenya farmers have been advised to take up indigenous crop farming in the quest to cope with climate change mitigation and enhance soil conservation.

Speaking during a field event at Chepkube where Ripple Effect paid a courtesy visit to the Kibagenge Farmers Group and Wema Community-Based Organisation, Meshack Sikuku of Ripple Effect encouraged farmers to mainly focus on root plants that strengthen the soil structure.

“El Nino is just around the corner, and we expect a lot of soil erosion due to flooding. The best crop covers to be planted right now are groundnuts, yams, arrow roots, cassava, and fruit trees,” advised Sikuku.

Isaac Ogutu, on the other hand, advised farmers to heed the weather forecast so that they wouldn’t be victims of circumstances.

“Besides taking precautions by protecting our farms, children, and animals, we also need to build resilience in our soils by using organic fertilisers to grow short-term hardy crops within this period,” reiterated Ogutu.

Ripple Effect also revealed that they have collaborated with KALRO to ensure that farmers get short-seasoned, quality seeds that are also resilient.

“We also educate our farmers on how to add value to their farm and animal produce, in addition to properly storing them for future consumption,” observed Sikuku.

Over the past 30 years, Ripple Effect has been helping families grow their own food, confidence, and aspirations across African countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Kenya.