By Jane Mugambi
Kirinyanga County, Kenya: Farmers from Mwea have taken up sorghum farming as a way of combating food insecurity.
In a pilot project that started three months ago, the majority of farmers in Kimbimbi area in the Mwea East subcounty are known for rice farming but due to climate change have taken up sorghum farming that takes a very short time to grow and also doesn’t need a lot of water to grow.
The farming that was an agreement between Kenya Breweries and the farmers has seen more farmers who normally planted maize and beans shift to sorghum farming.
The brewing company is buying a kilo at Ksh 48 (4 USD) with the first 12 farmers selling their produce.
The area MP, Mary Maingi said the pilot project was an experiment on whether there cam be an alternative way of farming that can secure rice farmers from hunger and also be a source of income.
“I gave out seeds to some farmers who are selling their sorghum to Kenya breweries, It was a trial but we have seen it is worth trying even another time; after the 12 farmers sold their produce more have come out wanting to plant” said Ms. Maingi.
She also urged farmers from the vast Mwea constituency to take up the challenge so as to address climate change.
“Mwea people should not shy away from planting sorghum, We used to plant it and we used to trade it with other goods for survival; now we are exchanging with money, grab the initiative” urged the Legislator.
Josphat Onchari the assistant county commissioner for Mwea East urged residents to stop relying only on maize and beans as a way of farming and to diversify.
“Mwea people please diversify your farming, do not rely on maize and beans; we have seen sorghum doing well meaning there could be drought-resistant crops that can do well” said Onchari.
The farmers say the last time Mwea received enough rain was two years ago.
