This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
Deborah Wakesho, a farmer from Taita Taveta, has defied stereotypes to become a successful horticultural farmer, earning a significant income from her two-acre farm.
Wakesho began farming in 2008, after several attempts at job searching, and initially started with dairy keeping. However, due to the scarcity of fodder, she turned to farming, which has now become her full-time venture.
With the help of extension officers, Wakesho learned how to prepare the land and grow the right crops. She started by planting vegetables, but the market price dropped, making it difficult for her to make a profit.
Undeterred, Wakesho continued to farm, and her efforts have paid off. She has earned recognition beyond her home county, including a prize at the Mombasa International Show for being one of the best horticultural farmers in the Coastal region.
Wakesho's farm has become a model for other farmers, and she has attracted the attention of dignitaries, including former Agriculture PS Romano Kiome. She earns Sh48,000 every two weeks by selling peas to Vegpro Company Ltd.
Wakesho's success story is a testament to the potential of horticultural farming, and she is committed to sensitizing her community about the benefits of farming as an alternative source of income to alleviate poverty, especially among women.
