Kenya – Smallholder Strength and Tea Power

Introduction

Kenya is a leading agricultural country in Africa, known especially for its tea, coffee, and flower exports. Its model thrives on smallholder farming, cooperative structures, and climate-smart practices.

Farming Model Summary

Dominated by small-scale farmers often working in cooperatives.

Government and NGOs promote climate-resilient farming.

Strong focus on export crops and staple food self-sufficiency.

Main Crops and Livestock

Crops: Tea, coffee, maize, vegetables, sugarcane.

Livestock: Cattle, goats, sheep, poultry.

Innovations and Unique Practices

Use of mobile money (e.g., M-Pesa) for farm transactions.

Widespread agroforestry to prevent erosion.

Farmer field schools for knowledge sharing.

Challenges Faced

Land fragmentation and soil fertility issues.

Youth disinterest in farming.

Climate unpredictability and drought.

Lessons for Global Farmers

Smallholder networks and cooperatives can empower local economies.

Mobile tech can bridge rural finance gaps.

Integrating forestry with farming improves sustainability.

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