Agricultural based farms in Kenya

1. Lessons learnt
How to integrate crops with livestock in one farm for
mutual benefits. i.e. crops benefit livestock manure and
animals benefit the crop residues
How to grow vegetables throughout the year by use of
drip irrigation system
Students realized that some farmers face challenges
such; pest and diseases, low capital, lack of feeds, and
drought
The students shared the benefits of using agroforestry
trees in their farms to improve soil fertility as well
feeds provision for animals and
Importance of using correct crop spacing e.g. in maize
production for better soil nutrients utilization to
improve their yield
Objectives
•Learning different agricultural techniques
•Sharing agricultural skills with Farmers
•Discussing the main challenges faced by smallholder
farmers
STUDENT’S EXPERIENCE ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Norbert I., Prof. Mungai N.W.
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University.
P.O. Box 536-20115 Njoro, Kenya
email; Iraboneye@gmail.com
Introduction
Transforming African Agricultural universities to
meaningfully contribute to African’s growth and
development (TAGDev) program in its focus on enhancing
community engagement organized a field trip for the
students at Jacaranda and Mukinduri farms in Nakuru
County. This provided a platform for the students to interact
with the farming community around Egerton University.
Norbert Iraboneye participated in these field trips.
Conclusion
The students learnt; drip irrigation system, vegetable
growing, fish farming, feeding animals and cleaning of
animal sheds, among other skills required as future
Agropreneur. The farmers were encouraged to integrate
agroforestry trees in their farms and advised to approach
agronomists for sustainable solutions to their problems.
“Agriculture has huge potentials to generate money, start
small and keep on improving.” key lesson I learnt.
Approach
TAGDev program during Joint orientation program ,started
from 23rd July to 3rd August ,organized a field trip for
Egerton and
Gulu students in two different farms
• Mukinduri Dairy Farmers Group is an improving group
of farmers, located in Nakuru county started in 2013 and it
is in partnership with Egerton University
• It was started as Dairy Farmers but currently they
integrated crop production
• Jacaranda center is an advanced small- scale farm
located in Nakuru county dealing with growing vegetables,
fruits, fish farming, and rearing of dairy cows, sheep, pigs
and geese
• It was started in 2000 caring orphan children and growing
vegetables for consumption, but currently they extended to
market level.
Fig. 1: Students interacting with farmers Fig2: Students learning about zero grazing (A) and Fish farming (B)
A B
Acknowledgement to MCF @ RUFORUM and TAGDev program for the support as well Egerton University for hosting joint
orientation program.