Kangundo Farmers Program: Transforming the Community Through Knowledge, Sustainability, and Market Access

The Kangundo Farmers Training session, organized by Afrex Gold, was a crucial opportunity for local farmers to enhance their knowledge and farming practices. The event was designed to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers while equipping them with the skills necessary to improve productivity, sustainability, and market access. The training covered a wide range of topics, each aligned with Afrex Gold's core values of sustainability, innovation, and empowerment.

Key focus areas were:

Pest and Disease Control

Farmers often struggle to manage pests and diseases that affect the health of their avocado trees. To support them in this area, the training introduced various pest control methods, including the use of pheromone and light traps to target specific pests. The distribution of traps within the orchard was explained to ensure maximum effectiveness in controlling pests. The training also focused on identifying diseases early by examining symptoms on leaves, branches, and stems, allowing farmers to take proactive measures before the issue spreads. These strategies are crucial to maintaining healthy crops and securing consistent yields.

Seedling Survival

Seedling failure is a common issue that many farmers face. The training delved into the factors that contribute to seedling loss, such as poor soil conditions, improper planting techniques, and environmental stress. By offering guidance on soil testing, farmers were shown how to assess their land’s suitability for avocado growth, ensuring that they provide optimal conditions for seedling survival. Understanding the root causes of seedling failure allows farmers to implement strategies that improve their survival rates, such as proper spacing, appropriate irrigation, and using high-quality seedlings from trusted sources.

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Orchard Establishment

When establishing a new orchard, farmers need to consider various factors such as soil suitability, spacing, and slope. The session provided practical guidance on soil testing to assess the land's compatibility with avocado farming. Proper spacing of trees was emphasized to ensure they have adequate room to grow and receive sufficient sunlight and nutrients. The importance of managing orchards on slopes was also discussed, with techniques for preventing soil erosion and ensuring proper water drainage. By carefully establishing their orchards, farmers set a strong foundation for healthy tree growth and higher yields.

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Orchard Management

Effective orchard management is key to long-term success in avocado farming. During the training, farmers were taught the best practices for tree spacing, pruning, and intercropping. Proper tree spacing is vital to avoid competition for resources, while pruning helps maintain tree health and shape, reducing the risk of disease. Intercropping with complementary crops was also introduced to diversify income and improve soil health. Afrex Gold’s commitment to monthly follow-up training and farm visits ensures that farmers receive ongoing support, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

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Farmer Empowerment

Afrex Gold places a strong emphasis on farmer empowerment, recognizing that educated and skilled farmers are the foundation of sustainable agriculture. By offering continuous education, resources, and hands-on support, Afrex Gold empowers farmers to take control of their operations and make informed decisions. This training session exemplified the company’s commitment to providing farmers with the tools they need to succeed, from advanced farming techniques to market access. Through its collaborative approach, Afrex Gold is helping farmers build resilience, increase productivity, and secure better livelihoods.

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Fertilizer Application

The training session also covered the importance of proper fertilizer application for healthy avocado trees. Crystal Innovations guided farmers in selecting the right fertilizers based on the trees' growth stages, with a focus on balancing organic and inorganic options. By understanding the nutritional needs of avocados and applying fertilizers at the right time, farmers can optimize tree growth and fruit production. This approach helps farmers increase yields while minimizing environmental impact, aligning with Afrex Gold’s commitment to sustainable farming practices.

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Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is a major concern for farmers in many parts of Kenya. The training introduced innovative water management techniques, including the use of FOG Catchers, which trap moisture from fog to provide a sustainable water source. This technology is especially valuable in regions with limited rainfall, offering farmers a way to access water for irrigation. Additionally, the training emphasized efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation, to minimize water waste while ensuring that trees receive the necessary moisture for optimal growth.

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Sourcing from Scattered Smallholder Farmers

Sourcing avocados from smallholder farmers scattered across rural areas presents logistical challenges, particularly in regions with poor road infrastructure. The training explored the idea of creating centralized collection points, where farmers can bring their produce for aggregation and transport. This approach streamlines the collection process, reduces transportation costs, and ensures that farmers have better access to markets. Afrex Gold’s commitment to working with smallholder farmers and improving their access to markets through innovative solutions highlights the company’s dedication to supporting the agricultural community.

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Soil Composition

Understanding soil composition is fundamental to optimizing avocado farming. The session focused on soil testing to analyze soil pH, nutrient levels, and texture. By conducting regular soil tests, farmers can tailor their practices to improve soil health and boost tree growth. Crystal Innovations offered continued support in interpreting test results and making recommendations based on each farmer’s unique soil conditions. This hands-on approach ensures that farmers can make informed decisions about fertilization and soil management, leading to healthier orchards and higher yields.

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Harvesting Intervals

Proper timing is critical when harvesting avocados, especially for export. Farmers were educated on how to assess the maturity of their fruit to ensure it is harvested at the optimal time for export. By aligning harvesting intervals with the closing dates for sea-based shipments, farmers can ensure that their avocados are of the highest quality when they reach international markets. This training enables farmers to better plan their harvest and meet the stringent requirements of export markets.

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Pricing and Market Access

The session concluded with a discussion on pricing and market access, where farmers shared their experiences from the past season. Many expressed satisfactions with the pricing and market access provided by Afrex Gold, particularly in comparison to other buyers. By working directly with Afrex Gold, farmers were able to secure better prices and more consistent demand for their produce. Afrex Gold’s transparent pricing model ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work, strengthening the partnership between the company and its farmers.

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Ongoing Support

Afrex Gold’s commitment to continuous support was a central theme throughout the training. Regular farm visits, along with the presence of a resident agronomist for the region, ensure that farmers receive personalized guidance on managing their orchards. This ongoing support is vital to the success of smallholder farmers, as it provides them with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to overcome challenges and improve their farming practices. By offering frequent training sessions and personalized assistance, Afrex Gold is helping farmers achieve long-term success and sustainability.

As part of our ongoing restoration efforts in the area, we handed-over Avocado and Grevilia seedlings to all the farmers present.

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Conclusion:

Through our commitment to education, empowerment, and sustainability, Afrex Gold is making a significant impact on the lives of smallholder farmers in Kenya. By providing training, resources, and ongoing support, the company is helping farmers improve their practices, increase their productivity, and access international markets. Afrex Gold’s holistic approach to agriculture is not only boosting the local economy but also ensuring that farmers can continue to thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Crystal Innovations for honoring our invitation and facilitating the training sessions with valuable insights. If anyone wants to learn more about their innovative work, please visit their website at crystalsinnovations.com.

Together, we are fostering a brighter future for agriculture in Kenya!

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