The annual long-rain season is here with us. Whether this is permanent or not we will find out soon enough. The Meteorological Department of Kenya is not giving a conclusive green light on this.  Our environmental landscapes have changed over the years resulting to the reliance of consistent annual rains a thing of the past, more so for farmers. Gone are the days when farmers would fully rely on the rains to receive a bountiful annual harvest.

Kenya’s recent drought experienced across the country is a clear indication of new ways, measures and inventions that we need to undertake in order to be able to achieve food security for the nation in the wake of climate change. 

‘The Agriculture Sector is the backbone of Kenya’s economy and the source of livelihood for majority of the rural population. The sector contributes about 26 percent of the country’s GDP and employs about 75 percent of the population. The sector is a major source of revenue with agricultural produce exports accounting for nearly two-thirds of total domestic export. Supporting this sector therefore leads to securing most livelihoods of the Kenyans people.’ (source PDF)

In today’s guest post, Paul discusses why and the areas where the youth can be involved in sustainable agriculture to evade the effects of climate change, create employment and in the long run, assist to secure the environment for the future generation.

Farming can be put in many ways, but for me, it is the science and practice of growing crops and rearing animals for the purposes of subsistence and commercial gains. Either way, agriculture and agro-business supports the livelihoods of many people, directly through farming and consuming, as well as indirect through trading of agricultural products. Conventionally, farming has been done by seniors in the community, especially in the African context. This might be attributed to the land ownership systems that have for many decades been entrusted to people from prime ages of 35 years onwards, or the government control of such lands.

In Kenya, the constitution has defined youths as between the ages of 18-35. Until recently, more of the farming has been left for the elderly, with the youngsters opting for white-collar jobs. This is because the system has corrupted young minds to think that farming is dirty and unfit for the learned. We need a change of mindset.

With climate change at hand, food security is of great concern today. Land and water management systems need innovations and technologies that help optimise the agricultural practices in the region. As Kenya is part of Sub-Saharan Africa, water is a critical requirement that needs to be addressed in the region. Adoption of remote controlled drip irrigation sensors to only avail water to targeted crops is vital so as to ensure water is well managed. Application of GIS taught in most universities and colleges is an opportunity for institutions to cover this niche and dominate the water consumption in the region.

Agribusiness is a thriving sector in Kenya. A lot has been done in the media to promote investments in the agricultural field for business. The youth have fortunately been up to pace with the trend. However, more needs to be done. With goals 1 and 2 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda touching on hunger and poverty, agriculture should be ‘hyped’ for the globe, especially the youth, as this will thus alleviate famines, starvation and deaths as a result of food deprivation. These economies depend on agriculture; this directly means that any investment in agriculture is a business opportunity for the young. Opportunities in sustainable agriculture range from hydroponics, apiculture permaculture, to vermiculture. The youth, therefore have a greater gap to own up and transform into thriving businesses.

I have a small group of university youths who have invested in Agribusiness in Narok (Kenya) where they grow certified potato plantations in over 5 acres.  Land rent around the areas for an average of Ksh. 8,000. This is very pocket-friendly as the land has much potential for production. It is very plausible for the youth to make good income through farming without having to seek formal employment.

Youth In Farm Photo credits: Paul Mutuku

Animal husbandry is also booming. Their other by-products are much needed in many industries. The youth have tendering provisions provided for in the Kenyan constitution 2010. But unless we invest in agribusiness, whether through provisioning of services as water, ploughing and harvesting and even logistics, then we might not exploit our potential. Youth-led Research into drought resistant crops and hybridization of animals is also important, as well as giving farmers’ alternatives to inorganic fertilisers.

By Paul Mutuku.

Paul is a blogger at Green Treasures Farm where he writes on water, food security, forest and the environment in general as well as discussing how development impacts all these elements in our global environment. He is an environmental ‘communicationist’ and conservationist. He can be reached on LinkedIn and twitter.

The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet a humanity’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Those involved seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. Farmers may use methods to promote soil health, minimise water use, and lower pollution levels on their farms.

Youth involvement in sustainable agriculture is a profitable venture as well as an environmentally friendly initiative and will definitely meet a country’s developmental needs.