A group of small-scale farmers in Githunguri has turned to organic farming, including making their own plant-based pesticides. This approach has boosted their crop yields and reduced their reliance on expensive chemical inputs.
The shift to organic farming came after the farmers discovered local plants with natural pest-repellent properties. By using these plants, they’ve been able to grow healthier and more sustainable crops, leading to higher profits and a better future for their families and community.
One farmer, Esther Wariara Ng’ang’a, shared her positive experience with organic farming. Since adopting these methods, she has been able to educate her two daughters and provide food for her family.
Esther mentioned that she uses traditional plants like chili, Mexican marigold (Mubangi), and the toxic yellow flowers of Mexican sunflower (Maruru) to repel insects. These plants are an effective and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
The farmers create a natural pesticide by mixing these herbal plants with water and allowing them to ferment. “Unlike chemical alternatives, this traditional mixture is safe for the soil, crops, and consumers, and it also helps mitigate climate change,” Esther explained. She added that their success is quickly spreading, with more farmers embracing organic practices.
Dr. Nehemia Mihindo, who supports organic farming, highlighted the challenges farmers faced with crop quality due to chemical pesticides. He explained that these chemicals were costly and harmful to the environment, depleting soil nutrients and affecting community health.
The move to organic methods has greatly improved farming practices in Kiambu and beyond.
Dr. Mihindo emphasized that farmers, once dependent on expensive and harmful chemicals, have found a sustainable and cost-effective solution using resources available in their own backyards.
Their success is inspiring others across the region, showing that traditional knowledge and sustainable practices can effectively address modern agricultural challenges.
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