OWN - FARM MANGEMENT EXPERIENCE

Presented By: RUTH AUMA OKOTH

Location: Rachuonyo District, East Karachuonyo Division, Wang’chieng’ Location, Kajiei Sub Location.

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONE.Low potential ecological zone with about average 800mm of rainfall in 3 months per year.

FAMILY SIZE3 adults and 8 Children.Head of Home: Elisha Okoth Omogi (Husband)

OWN FARM INTERVENTION•45 acres piece of land•Citrus Orchard tree stands•Mandarin tree stands•Ordinary Mango tree stands•Culture – tissue Banana stands•Wood – lot site (Eucalyptus Comodelansis)

CROP LAND•Sorghum•Traditional Vegetable•Cassava

EXPERIENCEI used to grow Sorghum, Cassava, nuts and millet but, the yields were low and insufficient, not enough to provide adequate food security for the family.

This was due to;•Soil erosion and overgrazing•Poor land use •Growing one crop on the same plot year after year.

As a consequence: •In adequate food to feed the family

After these experiences, I started to undertake conservation measures that include;•Counter ploughing•Intercropping and cover cropping•Agro forestry•Grass strips, stone terraces and Retention ditches for soil erosion control•WAGSMD (organic manure, compost technique)

There after, these interventions helped reduce the run off water and also retained soil moisture on the farm resulting to increased crop yields

FACTORS LEADING TO LOW CROP YIELDS IN RACHUONYO NORTH DISTRICT

1. Declining soil fertility (Low Soil PH) due to increased soil loss through erosion.•Farmers have not taken seriously the issue of soil erosion control despite being sensitized on the same.

2. Pest and diseases of crops e.g. the issue of striga weeds which is a threat to the cereals.

3. Reduced amount of rainfall.•Poor rainfall distribution due to de-forestation by human.

4. Financial setbacks•Farmers have not been able to access equitably financial support inform of Loans easily as a result of lack of required credentials (Security) especially the African woman who cannot inherit land and get title deeds

5. Non use of organic and Inorganic fertilizers•Lack of knowledge on use of inorganic fertilizers - exorbitant costs of inorganic fertilizers•Bulkiness of organic fertilizer.

SOCIAL CONSEUQENCES OF CROP FAILURE DUE TO DROUGHT

1. Human diseases e.g. Malaria, HIV/AIDS pandemic• The disease affect the young and energetic group which

agriculture sector need most.• Huge sums of money used for care and support.

2. Because of Climate change it has not been easy to access Insurance services on compensation when crops fail because of either drought or destroyed by floods.

3. Clean drinking water• Lack of good clean drinking water and sanitation components

results to loss of lives.4. Inadequate farm tools and implements to help the farmers start

farm preparation in time.5. Increased number of orphans, school drop outs leads to child

labor, drug abuse, and child trafficking, early and unwanted pregnancies all making dependence a threat to food security.

Contacts: Ruth Auma OkothP. O Box 145, 40301Kendu – BayMobile: +254 710 163 594 +254 720 567 955Email: elishaokoth56@yahoo.com