This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
Organic farming has become a beacon of hope for many farmers seeking a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to agriculture. For Sylvia Miloyo, a community development graduate, this journey began four years ago when she decided to switch from chemical-based farming to organic farming.
According to the White Paper Report on Pesticide use in Kenya, pesticides are widely distributed in the environment, leading to a decrease in water and soil quality, as well as an increase in chronic health effects. This alarming information prompted Miloyo to take action and transform her farm into an organic farming set-up using her savings.
As she transitioned to organic farming, Miloyo had to adapt her farming practices, incorporating a variety of crops, mainly vegetables. 'In organic farming, you never really mono crop. I have never practiced mono cropping but prefer to grow at least 15 to 20 types of vegetables at every one point,' she said.
With her two farms in Limuru (five acres) and Mai Mahiu (10 acres), Miloyo has attracted clients who prioritize safe products. 'Many of our clients are middle class working people and our pricing is very similar with conventional farming, so we basically sell to everyone,' she noted.
However, Miloyo acknowledges that converting to organic farming comes with its own set of challenges, including battling pests and diseases in the beginning. 'Market can be an issue for organic suppliers because the populace are not well educated on the benefits of organic farming,' she added.
Despite these challenges, Miloyo remains committed to her organic farming journey, establishing dams to collect rainwater and a borehole for irrigation. Her dedication has paid off, with her produce being sold mainly through home delivery based on requests.
