In the wake of a prolonged and frustrating job search, Jackson Sawe made a life-changing decision to transition into agriculture.
Armed with determination and a desire to make a difference in his community, he embarked on a passion fruit farming journey that has not only transformed his own life but has also inspired many others.
“I studied Communication Technology and Education, but I became disheartened by the job search and decided to engage in farming and help my community,” Sawe explains.
Faced with the harsh realities of unemployment, he decided to take matters into his own hands and venture into farming.
In 2017, he took the bold step of starting a passion fruit farm on a modest quarter-acre piece of land in Bomet County, Kenya.
This initiative was not only about self-sufficiency but also about creating opportunities for the youth in his community.
With unwavering determination, Sawe managed to motivate 13 young individuals to join him in this agricultural endeavor.
Together, they formed the Organic Passion Fruits Bomet Ltd, a collective that would go on to make a significant impact on passion fruit farming in the region.
Sawe’s choice of passion fruit farming was strategic. He opted for the Giant Ester variety, known for its consistent fruit production and resistance to diseases and pests.
This variety yields substantial fruits, each weighing between two to three kilograms.
Furthermore, its tough skin serves as a natural defense mechanism against insects, reducing the need for extensive pesticide use.
One of the remarkable aspects of Sawe’s passion fruit farming is his commitment to sustainability.
He employs organic fertilizers every five months, complemented by commercial NPK fertilizers, ensuring a healthy and robust crop. Proper land preparation and careful spacing of seedlings at three meters by two meters contribute to the farm’s high yield potential.
Sawe’s dedication and hard work have paid off handsomely. His quarter-acre farm, which initially accommodated 200 seedlings, has become a thriving hub of passion fruit production.
With approximately 140 plants, he manages to harvest an impressive 130 to 160 kilograms of passion fruit every two weeks.
The fruits of his labor find eager buyers in both local and distant markets. Sawe’s produce is purchased by traders who transport it to Nairobi, where it is sold at prices ranging from Sh60 to Sh120 per kilogram.
His reputation for high-quality, consistent yields has garnered a loyal customer base of six traders who eagerly await his harvest.
Sawe’s success story extends beyond passion fruit farming. He has diversified his agricultural activities by cultivating rosemary herbs, with more than 4,000 seedlings to date.
Not only does rosemary serve as a valuable crop in its own right, but it also acts as a natural deterrent to pests, enhancing the overall health of his farm.
Looking ahead, Sawe has ambitious plans to expand his passion fruit farming operations. He aims to increase his land holdings to produce even more fruits to meet the growing demand.
Additionally, he envisions adding value to his passion fruits by exploring the production of passion fruit juice, a step that could potentially open new avenues for revenue generation and job creation.
