Ruth Okoth is a cassava farmer residing in Kamingusa Village, located in Rachuonyo North within Homa Bay County.
In this pastoral setting, an unforeseen transformation is taking place, with the 58-year-old farmer at its center.
Her weathered hands narrate a tale of change—not only in her own land but also in the broader community’s view of what was once regarded as “the poor man’s crop.”
As Ruth reflects on her past, her eyes sparkle with the nostalgia of simpler days.
However, as she speaks, her gaze encompasses vast fields of flourishing cassava plants, their expansive leaves swaying gently in the warm breeze of Rachuonyo.
Ruth’s evolution from a small-scale maize farmer to a pioneering figure in cassava cultivation exemplifies the strength of vision and adaptability.
Having previously worked as an adult education tutor, she dedicated years to balancing her responsibilities at Kajiei Primary School with the care of her modest farm.
Yet, as the agricultural landscape began to evolve, Ruth resolved to adapt alongside it.
“Maize was becoming a common crop in the village, and there was no profit in farming,” she explains.
This understanding ignited a pursuit of innovation that ultimately transformed the agricultural environment of Kamingusa Village.
Ruth’s agricultural revelation was not instantaneous; rather, it was a gradual evolution, cultivated through years of experience and an insatiable desire for knowledge that extended well beyond the confines of her village.
“Throughout my life, I have gained a lot of experience in farming, including travelling to Israel, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Mali, where I learned about modern agriculture,” she said.
The pivotal moment occurred in 2015 when she made a controversial decision within her community by incorporating cassava into her agricultural practices.
“Its demand is on the rise, and farmers need to know this,” she said
Today, Ruth’s farm exemplifies her foresight.
On a one-and-a-half-acre parcel of land, two groups of cassava thrive—one planted in May, anticipated to produce a generous harvest by January of the following year, while the other is poised to deliver its starchy bounty at any time.
However, Ruth’s aspirations reach far beyond simple farming.
“Cassava can survive in harsh climatic conditions and is one of the best crops that can adapt well to any weather. It is a solution to the food crisis as it can survive when other crops fail due to weather changes,” she added.
This resilience is transforming cassava into a highly valuable crop for farmers in Karachuonyo and beyond.
The demand is surging, propelled by a growing market that extends well beyond conventional consumption.
“Most high-end hotels in the country sometimes include cassava in their breakfast menu,” she stated.
Starting with the modest production of juice from oranges and mangoes, she has expanded her operations to supply hundreds of kilograms of cassava to numerous organizations for commercial use.
The adaptability of this crop is remarkable; it serves a wide range of purposes, from breakfast essentials to afternoon snacks, and from ugali to industrial starch, cassava is establishing its significance in both culinary and industrial settings.
However, Ruth’s aspirations extend far beyond her agricultural endeavors.
“We intend to establish a cooperative society which we will use to seek help from different organisations,” she reveals, her eyes alight with the possibilities of value addition and expanded markets.
The possibilities are vast; however, obstacles persist. Financial limitations impede her aspirations of engaging in value addition, as the essential equipment remains unattainable.
Nevertheless, she remains resolute.
“We made juice and sold it to neighbours,” she said.
