The Global Kenyan Farmer

How to think global and act local.

Being a global farmer is not about producing for export.

That is part of it.

But the bigger part is knowing we are in a global-level competition and acting accordingly.

Just because we produce for local markets does not mean you are not susceptible to global competition. Was watching a DW documentary on tomatoes in Ghana. Apparently, tomatoes imported from Italy is cheaper than local tomatoes produced in Ghana. In Kenya, it used to be that eggs imported from Uganda are cheaper than those produced in Kenya.

And yes, government policies have a lot to do with the local costs of production.

Still, even as we exist under policies that seem unfair (think of it as trying to towel yourself dry while standing in a shower), there are a few things we can do.

1.??? Focus on sustainability

Ranging from solar energy to composting, sustainability is an important part of modern consumption. The modern consumer cares about the impact of consumption on the environment and the society.

Green products command a premium in the market.

We might not all become organic farmers; however, in how we use resources, we should focus on long-term sustainability. Drip kits, for example, save on water.

2.??? Produce for quality.

Ditch the “export” versus “local” mentality.

It is a well-accepted fact that most locally-produced products would never be accepted by the international consumer.

Poor quality of Kenyan macadamia has been cited as one of the reasons for the current macadamia crisis in the country.

If we practice quality at the local level, we get into a good habit that lays a foundation to expand beyond our borders. Otherwise, if cut corners in the local market, at some point, we will export bad manners. And that catches up.

3.??? Minimise cost of production

Some countries enjoy low costs of inputs thanks to good policies and subsidies. I am looking at you, Europe.

While Kenyan farmers may not enjoy such benefits on a massive scale, there are ways to keep production costs low.

This does not mean cutting corners.

But genuinely finding ways to keep costs low. If it is in constructing a greenhouse, a wooden greenhouse is cheaper and still does the job. ?

4.??? Embrace technology

Initial costs of technology is high.

Buying a hoe is cheaper than buying a tractor. Using a diesel pump is cheaper than a drip kit.

Yet, if we are to become global farmers, technology must become our friend. There is nothing about this is how we’ve always done it.

Automate feeding, for example, and free your time to do other creative things for your farm.

5.??? Measure everything

What cannot be measured, cannot be improved.

Measure how long it takes to apply predatory mites to an 8 by 30 greenhouse; how much water a crop uses at various times of days.

With good measurements, it gets very easy to reduce cost of production and at the same time, improve quality.

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Wait, before you go I am working on a hydroponics training live event scheduled for 3rd February, 2024.

A part of the course include:

• How to set up a simple hydroponics garden,
• Crops to grow, and
• Nutrition.

It will be a free event.

Also, will welcome a brand manager to educate us on How to Brand Ourselves as Farmers.

I will be sharing the details from next week.

Mark the date.