Organic farming in Kenya is a farming system that relies on methods that do not use synthetic inputs, including pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides. Organic farming in Kenya practices are designed to help preserve the environment and improve the quality of the food that is produced.
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The Latest Trend in Kenya: Organic Farming
Organic farming in Kenya is a viable option for farmers who want to produce food that is healthy for their customers and the environment. Organic farming in Kenya practices help prevent soil erosion, build healthy ecosystems, and reduce the use of toxic chemicals. Organic crops are also less likely to produce chemical residues in the food that is produced.
1. What Is Organic Farming?
In addition to crop productivity, Organic farming in Kenya prioritizes nutritious food, healthy soils, healthy plants, and healthy habitats. To enhance soil quality and increase organic soil matter, organic farmers in Kenya employ crop rotation, cover crops, and biological fertilizer inputs. Organic farmers increase the soil's capacity to absorb water by adding more organic matter, which lessens the effects of drought and flooding. Enhancing soil organic matter also helps the soil absorb and store the nutrients and carbon needed to develop healthy crops, which are thus more resilient to pests and diseases.
Genetically modified (GM) seed, synthetic pesticides, or fertilizers are not used in organic farming systems. A detailed recordkeeping system that tracks all products from the field to the point of sale, the design and implementation of an organic system plan that details the practices used in producing crops and livestock products, the maintenance of buffer zones to prevent accidental contamination by synthetic farm chemicals from nearby conventional fields, and these are just a few of the fundamental elements of organic systems...
1. Types of Organic Farming in Kenya.
Organic farming is divided into two types, namely:
• Integrated organic farming
• Pure organic farming
Pure organic farming entails staying away from any synthetic substances. All of the fertilizers and herbicides used in this agricultural procedure are derived from natural sources, such as bone meal or blood meal.
Integrated organic farming comprises combining the management of nutrients and pests to meet ecological needs and desires.
The Latest Trend in Kenya: Organic Farming
Advantages and disadvantages of Organic farming in Kenya
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It has been demonstrated that Organic farming in Kenya is a helpful method of agriculture for preserving human health. It does, however, have several shortcomings that highlight the downsides of modern farming techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of organic farming are discussed here.
2. Advantages of Organic farming in Kenya
Globally, organic farming is rising in popularity. Since consumers have begun purchasing organic goods, organic farming is quickly becoming popular. These are the main benefits of organic production techniques that underline its widespread use.
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• Chemical-Free Insect And Disease Resistance
Instead than using chemical-based pesticides, organic farming develops natural levels of resistance to control illnesses and pests. It does away with the usage of synthetic compounds to raise agricultural productivity.
Instead of employing fertilizers to increase the production, these farming practices simply allow natural soil augmentation procedures.
• Increases Pollinators And Healthy Soil
It is among the most significant benefits of Organic farming in Kenya. For pollinators like bees, one of the main issues is the use of synthetic agricultural herbicides. For instance, glyphosate and neonicotinoids are mostly to blame for the destructive effects on the populations of several pollinators. Since Organic farming in Kenya does not use chemical-based boosters, pollinators are supported.
Additionally, the soil used in Organic farming in Kenya is believed to yield products that are healthier and include more antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and other nutrients.
• Without Using Any Genetically Modified Food [GMO]
The fact that genetically modified food is not used in Organic farming in Kenya is one of its best features. Cross-breeding is only authorized among Kenyan organic farmers in order to support normal production levels. They are not allowed to raise crops for the market using products from the industrial sector.
• A Healthy Working Environment For Farmers
Organic farming in Kenya is advantageous for the farmers themselves as well as for the health of the soil, food, and consumers of organic food. When Kenyan organic farmers maintain their fields on a daily basis, they are not exposed to potentially dangerous synthetic substances.
On the other hand, farming practices that use chemical fertilizers for cultivation are more likely to cause health problems down the road, including neurological disorders, headaches, a variety of annoying symptoms, migraines, etc.
• Natural Fertilizers Are Used By Organic Agriculture.
Fertile soil is necessary for farming to increase productivity. Contrary to traditional farming, Organic farming in Kenya methods increase soil fertility by employing locally-prepared natural fertilizers. The organic processes' use of natural fertilizers encourages higher production.
Chemical-based fertilizers are used in conventional farming, which gradually reduces the soil's fertility. Crop rotation, green manure, composting, worm farming, and other techniques are some of the techniques used by organic farmers to maintain the soil's fertility. As a result, there are numerous benefits to Organic farming in Kenya.
• Produces Healthier Food
Food generated by organic farming is naturally produced, hence it has a higher degree of nutrition than food produced through conventional farming. It is evident that organically cultivated fruits and vegetables are much sweeter and more nutritious because they take much longer to grow.
For instance, see Wambugu Apples cultivated on organic farms have a significantly superior flavor since they have more polyphenol.
In a nutshell, it can be said that Organic farming in Kenya prioritizes high-quality output while conventional farming emphasizes quantity.
• Provides Organic Farmers With Lucrative Potential For Specialized Crops.
A great chance to start diversifying the items we grow each year is provided by organic farming. Cash crops are the primary source of income for conventional farmers. For instance, we grow maize and soybean as important cash crops to make huge profits.
This is an opportunity for organic farmers in Kenya to develop a variety of year-round marketable foods. Wambugu Apples Fruits, for instance, offer Kenyan organic farmers fantastic potential because they taste considerably better and are also nutrient-dense. Wambugu apples even fetch high prices that other apples.
• The Environmentally Sustainable Approach of Farming
When we consider the current situation, environmental conservation becomes our top priority. No matter what industry we work in, it's crucial that we take an environmentally responsible approach in all we do. Speaking of farming methods, Organic farming in Kenya helps the environment by storing carbon in the soil.
As the procedures frequently entail physical labor rather than mechanical machinery, it helps to reduce energy use. Additionally, it benefits the ecosystem by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Disadvantages of Organic farming in Kenya
Organic farming in Kenya has significant drawbacks despite being good for our health and the environment. These issues are the fundamental drawbacks of biological processes.
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• Costly Food Items
Food produced through Organic farming in Kenya is more expensive than food produced using traditional farming methods, which is one of its main drawbacks.
• High Cost of Production
Organic farming in Kenya has a much higher production cost since it demands more labor. As distribution and production are less than in conventional farming, we can also link it to ineffective marketing.
• Rarely Sponsored Agricultural Practice.
• Inadequate Knowledge And Abilities
The Kenyan organic farmers should be well-versed in localized soil structures, weather patterns, flora and fauna, and other elements that affect crop growth. Without the necessary information, a single organic farmer won't be able to safeguard his crop during potentially dangerous stages of the growing process.
• The Crop Is Prone To Disease.
The crops are easily susceptible to diseases that could reduce yields. Ones that are organic have a lower shelf life than foods that are conventional. The reason is that, in contrast to normal procedures, we do not treat the organic food materials with waxes or preservatives in order to store them for a long period.
• Low Yield
The need for food for survival in the world cannot be met by Organic farming in Kenya. In nations where there is sufficient food production for the population to survive, it could result in hunger.
• Stringent Certification Process
Organic agriculture must endure difficult certification procedures. Additionally, a specific certification fee is involved. Compliance with organic standards is required. If an organic farm does not adhere to these requirements, it may suffer the repercussions.
The environment benefits more from Organic farming in Kenya since it lowers pollutant levels. In addition, it shields us from the negative impacts of dangerous chemicals employed in traditional farming practices.
Products that are organically grown using natural ways are healthier. It gives us wholesome nutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fibers while also assisting in the sustainability of the environment.
Xaxa Farms Smart Tips
But Organic farming in Kenya is not without its difficulties. Maintaining organic systems frequently takes more time and effort.
Healthy eating is now making its way into the dinner tables of many homes. The demand for organic food follows it. This week's Smart Farm featured an interview with one of these farmers in Kiambu, and according to her, there is a shortage of organic food in Kenya.
Another clever suggestion is that organically grown Wambugu apples sell for Ksh 100 per piece, whilst regular apples cost Ksh 30. Is that not a clever farming idea?
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