Farming in Kenya- Getting started

More young people are setting their sights onto farming. If you are an aspiring farmer, here’s how to get started

First and foremost, you need to identify what you would like to grow, whether you would like bees or a fish pond etc. This will help you pretty much determine everything else.

If you want to grow fresh produce, you need to do a bit of research before you get started. Find out how the plant is grown, how long it takes to maturity as well as which conditions it will thrive in.

This will help you determine where you are going to grow it for example, you cannot grow wheat in Kitui but it will thrive in Rift Valley. In addition to that, you will need to budget well for all the months you are going to be farming. The plant will need fertilizers, pesticides and labourers so make sure you take all this into account.

Looking for land

You do not need to be a land owner to start farming. You can lease land from other land owners. Prices vary depending on the place but each region has an average rate mostly on a monthly basis. Ensure that the land you get has favourable conditions for the kind of plants you want to grow.

Looking for market is also important as you need to sell your produce as soon as it is harvested. If you can find a market in advance, this is even better. Common markets include; vegetable and fruit vendors, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and the local consumers as well as the international market.

 If you are looking to deal with the international market, it is important that you identify the market before you start growing your produce. Go through different websites online that can connect you to different multinationals who import groceries in their countries. The reason you are advised to find the international market beforehand is because some of them have strict conditions as to how the plant is grown. They may suggest a different kind of fertilizer depending on their needs. This information is important as you will need it on the farm grounds.

The local markets can be found easily. Approach restaurants and supermarkets with your fresh produce; you might just clinch yourself a good deal to supply it for a period of time. This will require consistency in your part and a continuous supply of fresh produce so long as your contract lasts.

Farming can take up a lot of money and once you sell your harvest, take a pen and paper and calculate the costs against your final income. Was it worth it? If it was, then maybe you should lease more land or diversify. Just keep growing!