In a region traditionally known for its arid climate, Moses Lichoro decided to take a leap of faith into miraa farming 22 years ago.
Leaving his father’s home behind, he set his sights on Igembe Central, Meru, an area about 20 kilometers from the Maua-Meru road, where miraa cultivation was not common due to the drier conditions.
When he shared his agribusiness plan with the local residents, they dismissed it outright, doubting the viability of growing miraa in such an environment.
Determined to succeed, Moses Lichoro developed a strategy.
Initially, he began by leasing farms, gaining valuable experience in miraa farming.
As time passed, he saw an opportunity to secure a more stable future for himself and decided to invest part of his savings from his hardware business into acquiring small pieces of land scattered throughout Igembe Central.
“After leasing for several years, the owners opted to sell the farms. I invested part of my savings from my hardware business to acquire them,” Said Mr Lichoro during an Interview with Business Daily.
This marked the turning point when he embraced miraa farming as a full-fledged business.
Water scarcity was a significant obstacle to overcome in the dry region.
To address this challenge, Moses Lichoro took the initiative to sink boreholes, providing a consistent water supply for his miraa trees.
This key advantage set him apart from other farmers who relied heavily on rain-fed cultivation, ensuring that his trees remained productive throughout the year.
Unlike many miraa farmers who rely on the unpredictability of rain, Lichoro’s trees were well-maintained and produced twigs suitable for the market consistently.
However, like any agricultural endeavor, miraa farming came with its share of risks and uncertainties.
One of the critical factors in miraa farming is the proper harvesting time. To maintain the best quality for export, the twigs must be harvested when they are at least eight inches long, usually after three weeks or a maximum of one month.
If the twigs grow past 10 inches, they become unsuitable for export. This risk posed a continuous challenge for Lichoro and his team.
With determination and dedication, Moses Lichoro eventually built a successful miraa farming business.
He now harvests at least two tonnes of the stimulant each month, supplying both local and international markets, with a primary focus on Somalia. His success, however, did not come without significant struggles.
Breaking into the miraa export business was an uphill battle. The market was tightly controlled by middlemen, making it challenging for new entrants like Lichoro to gain a foothold.
It took him over a decade before he was able to airlift his first crop.
Through persistent efforts and lobbying among buyers, he secured the necessary channels to reach the international market.
Running a successful miraa farm involves considerable financial investment.
Each month, Lichoro spends approximately Ksh20,000 per acre, with labor costs being one of the most significant expenses.
He employs a team of 40 workers who meticulously take care of his miraa trees to ensure optimal productivity.
While his 52 acres of miraa farms hold the potential to generate considerable revenue, the market dynamics often lead to fluctuations in income.
“At times the market is good but there are instances we incur huge losses due to market dynamics. For instance, when exports were banned we didn’t earn yet we had to spend money taking care of the trees,” Mr Lichoro says.
While at optimum production, each acre contributes Ksh30,000, the actual earnings vary due to factors like market demand, export bans, and market uncertainties.
There have been instances where Lichoro incurred substantial losses due to circumstances beyond his control.
Moses Lichoro also sheds light on some misconceptions surrounding the miraa industry. Some claim exaggerated sales figures, stating that they sell produce worth up to Sh200 million per month.
However, Lichoro emphasizes that the high costs involved and market unpredictability make such figures unrealistic.
Moses Lichoro also serves as the chairman of the Miraa Growers and Traders Cooperative Union, offering insights into the industry’s broader landscape.
He estimates that out of the 250,000 miraa farmers in Meru County alone, only about 1,000 operate profitably. The majority struggle due to challenges in securing funding and navigating the complexities of the market.
Despite the challenges, Moses Lichoro remains optimistic about the future of miraa farming. He believes that exploring new markets in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Djibouti could provide fresh opportunities for farmers.
Additionally, he emphasizes the need for supportive regulations that enable farmers to thrive, while also ensuring the best practices in miraa farming are followed for sustainable growth.
