When we talk about Organic Farming
for youths majority of them wonder how possible and yet they have no land for crop
cultivation. Agricultural land has proved a big challenge due to the fact that
the existing land is inherited and this mainly happens at the death of parents.
The other option is purchasing one which is rely expensive beyond the
capability of youths.
To my opinion there is a solution by
adopting projects that require small portions like underutilized backyards,
flower gardens and parking spaces and convert them to productive spaces.
Are you still wondering what I intend
with such spaces? Well only high value crops like strawberries & basil can
give you some substantial money. But rearing rabbits or mushroom growing are
some of the most viable projects. The other option is value addition and
processing of organic crops grown by elderly farmers who own agricultural land.
These are but just a few projects
where youths can be self-employed with limited resources and make a decent
living.
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Antony
Muhia harvesting spinach in his farm
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This was my first commercial
production organic plot from the successful experience of the organic kitchen
garden. The plot measured 50×100 ft. equivalent to 1/8 acre.
On this plot I practiced intensive
crop production and companion cropping of high value horticultural
crops: Sweet & Hot peppers, Tomatoes, Italian spinach, Lettuce, Chinese
cabbage, Broccoli, Asparagus, Assorted herbs & spices while observing a
strict crop rotation routine.
There is a composting site at the
entrance where all crop residue, fresh vegetation, leguminous crops and farm
yard manure are composted to rich compost manure/ fertilizer for using at the
plot.
From the sale of fresh produce I was
able to construct a greenhouse measuring 25×45 feet and later on installed a
drip irrigation system to the whole plot.
From the production and sales records
it's evident that such a project is capable of generating sufficient income of
KES 20,000-30,000 (US$300-400) a month to sustain a single household in rural
or even urban Africa.
Post by Antony Muhia
