EMBU, Kenya — A new farming extension system introduced five years ago in Kawanjara village, Embu West, is dramatically improving the livelihoods of local farmers. The Macumo Tomato Growers group, part of a pilot project in 20 counties, has adopted the Smallholder Empowerment and Agricultural Promotion (SHEP Biz) approach, focusing on market-driven crop selection and timing to maximize profits.
According to Kenya News Agency, the SHEP Biz Coordinator with the Ministry of Agriculture, the project, supported by the Ministry and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to shift farmers from traditional crop growing to a business-oriented mindset. This involves conducting market research before planting to ensure crops meet current market demands, a strategy that contrasts with the usual practice where farmers grow crops hoping to find buyers later, often resulting in unsold produce and low incomes.
The Macumo Tomato Growers have meticulously analyzed market trends and competitor activities, enabling them to schedule their tomato production to coincide with market shortages. This strategic planning has significantly increased their profitability and attracted international attention, with delegates from several countries visiting the group to learn about their success with the SHEP Biz approach.
The group’s achievements extend beyond tomatoes. They have diversified into growing sweet corn and plantains for an export contract, further boosting their income. This financial uplift has enabled members to invest in dairy cows, improving their families’ nutrition and income through milk sales. Group Chair Peter Njiru highlighted the transformative impact of the project, noting improvements in his family’s living standards and his ability to afford education and clean energy solutions.
The success of the SHEP Biz approach in Kawanjara village exemplifies its potential to revolutionize smallholder farming in Kenya and beyond. JICA’s Chief Advisor, Nobuhide Hayashi, expressed hopes of expanding this model to other countries, emphasizing its role in empowering farmers through improved agricultural practices, financial literacy, and access to credit.
The initiative also focuses on sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, to enhance soil health and reduce chemical use. Despite some challenges, such as the initial failure of butternut gourds, the group’s adaptability and collaborative spirit have been key to their ongoing success. They continue to explore ways to expand their membership and production capacity, aiming to establish their village as a major tomato-growing hub.