In a country where the potential of tree planting as a profitable agricultural venture remains largely untapped, one young Kenyan farmer stands out as a shining example of success.
Wycliffe Asiyo, a 33-year-old from Kawuor Village in Kagan, Homa Bay County, defied the odds and built a thriving eucalyptus tree farm.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
The Journey Begins
Five years ago, armed with a modest capital of Ksh 5,000, Asiyo embarked on his journey into tree farming.
With this initial investment, he purchased high-quality eucalyptus seedlings and covered the labor costs for land preparation and tree planting.
Five years later since he started the business, Asiyo cultivated trees on 20 acres of land that he inherited from his parents
Despite facing challenges, such as the swampy nature of his inherited land, Asiyo saw an opportunity in this unique condition that many overlooked.
The presence of abundant water and the unsuitability of the land for traditional crops turned out to be advantageous for his eucalyptus tree farm.
Meanwhile, Mr. Asiyo cultivated four distinct varieties of eucalyptus trees on his farm: urophylla, globus, saligna, and grends.
He specifically choose these species because they thrive in his region, where rainfall is unevenly distributed throughout the year.
Reaping the Rewards
As of 2016, Asiyo’s success in tree farming became evident.
Five years since he started the business, he earned an impressive sum of Ksh 750,000 from the sale of eucalyptus timber, charcoal, plywood, and other related products.
The Key to Success
Asiyo attributes his success to several key factors. First and foremost, meticulous preparation of seedbeds and transplanting healthy, disease-free seedlings have been crucial for establishing strong and productive eucalyptus trees.
Additionally, Wycliffe Asiyo places great importance on staying informed about emerging trends in tree farming.
Regular consultation with forestry officials and continuous learning from relevant websites have enabled him to optimize his practices and adapt to new techniques.
Moreover, eucalyptus trees and their products enjoy a ready market due to their fast growth, durability, and wide range of applications in various industries.
This demand has further contributed to Asiyo’s success as a tree farmer.
