In the heart of Kenya, in regions like Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Homa Bay, Busia, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru counties, a quiet revolution is underway in the world of agriculture.
At the center of this transformation is Stella Muthee, a trained agronomist turned contract farmer, who has become a beacon of hope for her community and beyond.
Her journey, intertwined with the rise of sorghum farming in the area.
Here is her story as told by WOK
A New Beginning
Stella’s story begins with her return to her hometown after completing her agronomy studies.
She initially tried her hand at cultivating maize, beans, and various crops, but the returns were far from impressive.
She soon recognized that her community lacked the necessary skills for profitable farming, a common issue among many small-scale farmers in Kenya.
Seeing this as an opportunity for positive change, Stella embarked on a mission to educate her fellow farmers on the best practices in farm management.
She also played a pivotal role in the formation of table banking groups aimed at improving the livelihoods of her community members.
The Introduction of Sorghum Farming
In 2015, Stella and her fellow farmers were introduced to sorghum farming through the Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) Sorghum Out-Growers Program.
However, the transition to sorghum cultivation was not without its challenges, as many farmers hesitated to embrace this new crop.
“It is in 2015 that we were introduced to sorghum farming though many farmers did not embrace this crop”,Stella recalled.
The decline in sorghum production in Kenya prior to this introduction had been concerning. Factors such as a shrinking production area and low yields had put the future of sorghum farming in jeopardy.
Fortunately, the emergence of sorghum beer production brought a ray of hope to sorghum farmers nationwide.
Sorghum Farming: A Game Changer
Sorghum farming quickly proved to be a game-changer for Stella and her fellow farmers.
They discovered that sorghum required fewer inputs compared to other crops, making it a cost-effective and economically viable option.
The yields were not only appealing but also sustainable, enabling farmers to secure their financial futures.
Before the economic crisis that plagued the nation, farmers like Stella found sorghum farming to be a profitable venture.
With minimal expenses for production, many embraced this crop, especially women who saw an opportunity to diversify their income streams through activities like dairy cattle farming.
“It is like we are now employed by sorghum and dairy farming because we make a killing from the two activities,” Stella remarked.
Creating Employment Opportunities
One of the notable aspects of sorghum farming is its capacity to generate employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
Stella emphasized that sorghum farming requires a significant workforce, with activities such as land preparation, weeding, and harvesting demanding a minimum of 10 people per acre.
This aspect of sorghum farming has not only boosted employment but has also alleviated youth unemployment, a critical issue in many rural areas.
Challenges and Resilience
While sorghum farming has brought significant benefits, it has not been without its share of challenges.
Stella and her fellow farmers have had to grapple with climate change, which can cause sorghum seeds to germinate when exposed to water during harvesting.
Pest infestations, particularly the menacing Fall Army Worm, have forced farmers to invest in pest control measures, incurring additional expenses.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented another hurdle, as reduced beer demand meant that KBL couldn’t purchase all the sorghum produce from farmers.
Bird damage during certain seasons also posed a threat to yields, necessitating the employment of individuals to deter these avian intruders.
A Bright Future for Sorghum Farming
Despite these challenges, Stella Muthee’s journey as a sorghum farmer and community leader embodies the resilience and determination of small-scale farmers in Kenya.
Sorghum farming, once on the decline, has experienced a renaissance, thanks to the emergence of sorghum beer production.
This shift has not only revitalized sorghum farming but also created economic opportunities, improved livelihoods, and empowered local communities.
