TRANS NZOIA, Kenya– Most farmers in Trans Nzoia County are increasingly embracing other crops due to declining maize prices and the effects of climate change.
Farmers in the region have been relying on maize for a long time. But things are changing quickly.
However, it is now emerging that the primary climatic hazards that impact productivity along these value chains and jeopardise food security in Trans Nzoia are excess rainfall, moisture stress, and uncertainty about the growing season, especially when the rainy season begins and ends.
Today, some farmers have focused on intensive kitchen gardening and zero grazing, while others have started planting beans, sugarcane, and Irish potatoes and embraced beekeeping.
A recent spot check by Y News established that wide-ranging agricultural modifications were underway for many farmers in Saboti and Endebess constituency.
For instance, Mary Anne Wanyonyi, a seasoned farmer from the Saboti constituency, explained that environmental issues and years of despair forced her to abandon maize.
“I can tell you without any reservations or worries that life has not been easy for most of us living in this area, known as Kenya’s bread basket. While some of us have not been practising crop rotation, maize prices have continued to decline,” said Wanyonyi.
When did Mary Anne Wanyonyi chuck maize for beans
Wanyonyi, who switched to bean farming during the COVID-19 pandemic, argued that the introduction of the crop had greatly benefited her.
Wanyonyi and her farm labourers were busy tending to the crop when Y News visited her five-acre Rengecha farm in Kinyoru, located outside Kitale town.
She explained that she has been cultivating climbing beans, which yield more than bush beans and can be interplanted with other crops like maize. They are also resistant to disease and rain.
According to Wanyonyi, a hectare of beans can provide three to four tonnes of produce per harvest season; they take three months to mature.
“There is enough local market for beans in addition to the huge export market for dry beans,” she said, noting that prices typically vary from Sh6,000 to Sh12,000 per 90 kg bag, depending on the type of beans and the season.
Previously, Wanyonyi used to sell one 90kg bag of maize for Sh 4,500 – 5,600 per bag.
She went on to say that the crop is typically more expensive during times of high demand, which is frequently around planting season when farmers require seeds for planting and when there are no new crops.
The price per bag varies according to the area in which you purchase or sell cereal. This only serves as a reminder that bean prices fluctuate around Kenya, necessitating an improvement in farmer’s practices, according to Wanyonyi.
What are the modern farming methods that Mary Anne Wanyonyi is using
Wanyonyi and her fellow farmers created a Whatsapp group where specialists would advise them on the best farming prices amid the quarantine measures since she began cultivating beans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There, we received guidance on maintaining social distance while working on our farms. We learned more about contemporary farming methods, and the group still functions today,” Wanyonyi said.
Wanyonyi revealed that she had previously used other fertilisers and received three bags each acre.
However, she used Yara Mila POWER for planting last year, followed by Yara Vita CROPBOOST three weeks after germination and Yara Bela SULFAN as a top dressing.
“I am now expecting higher yields of six bags per acre due to the increased number of pods per plant,” Wanyonyi stated.
What are the benefits of beans to humans and soil texture
Y News understands that beans are the primary staple meal and a significant source of calories and protein for a large portion of the population in the Western Kenya region.
In this context, Wanyonyi has discovered gold in the crop due to its significant returns.
Wanyonyi claims that most Kenyans rely heavily on beans as a source of protein.
She described how iron and zinc may be obtained from bean growing.
Beans contain 13 p c and 18.72 p c, respectively, of carbohydrates and fats. They also provide a source of revenue for farmers.
Wanyonyi reiterated that beans aid in fixing nitrogen in the soil and prevent soil erosion in slopy regions during periods of high rainfall.
A single bean plant can produce anywhere from 20 to 30 pods, and Wanyonyi says that if the weather cooperates, she aims to expand her land acreage.
What potential buyers look for in beans
According to experts, when farmers take their produce to the market, the quality of the beans is very important to them.
“Buyers want a longer shelf life, a nice green skin finish, and a good size. A farmer’s beans must not only fulfil their potential but also make them the envy of all other farmers,” Dennis Nangabo, Yara Sales Representative, Trans Nzoia, told Y News.
Before she starts the next planting season this coming month, Wanyonyi said that her crops, which are almost ready for harvest, are doing well, and she anticipates a big production.
“My neighbours have also joined the bandwagon after noticing that my beans are doing well, and I’m always ready and open to support them with any kind of advice that may help them,” she said.
The soft-spoken farmer suggested that the government increase its efforts by helping more farmers and finding stable markets for the already processed beans.
“Our country lacks good markets for beans and much technology, so farmers face many challenges, especially embracing new farming techniques and the high cost of farm inputs,” Wanyonyi lamented.
In addition to the beans, she has dairy animals and has planted hay grass.
“I intend to sell my produce directly to Asian and European markets. Doing this will eliminate the middleman who used to take advantage of me while growing maize. I’m sure I’ll make more money soon and continue inspiring more women,” Wanyonyi remarked.
