Kobulwo: As we walk through the narrow path, evading shrubs and thorny trees, the landscape changes and we are welcomed by rows of tall sorghum stalks heavy with grain. The farm is dotted with ‘watchtowers’ of small hills, each with someone seated on top to scare away the birds and prevent them from invading the farm or else the harvest is ruined.
According to Kenya News Agency, this 35-acre farm situated in the Kobulwo location in the Kerio Valley is where members of the Kobulwo Farmers Cooperative Society have united to cultivate sorghum under contract farming. Twenty-seven-year-old Yusuf Kipchumba, who is not only a member but also the chair of this 126-member group, has been instrumental in this venture. Despite being a diverse society in terms of age, members recognized Kipchumba’s leadership qualities and entrusted him with the leadership of their sacco.
Kipchumba, a graduate of Kenyatta University with a BSc degree in animal health and production, has been engaged in farming since childhood, using proceeds from the farm to fund his education. After a brief stint at a poultry farm in Uganda, he returned to pursue his passion for agriculture, citing the poor pay and working conditions at his previous job. He now enjoys the autonomy of running his own farm.
Sorghum, known for its drought resilience, thrives in the Kerio Valley, taking 3-4 months to mature and yielding 15-20 bags per acre. Kipchumba and his group have secured a contract with an organization called Crops Soko, which agrees to purchase their sorghum at Sh52 per kilo, promising substantial earnings for the farmers.
Despite their successes, the farmers have faced challenges with marketing their produce. Previous agreements fell through when organizations offered lower prices post-harvest, prompting the group to insist on written contracts going forward. Kipchumba emphasizes the importance of government support in providing water resources, which would allow for multiple planting seasons and increased productivity.
The cost of production remains high due to manual harvesting and the need for hired labor to protect the crops from birds. Kipchumba believes mechanization could significantly reduce expenses and increase profits. The proximity to Rimoi game reserve also poses a threat, as elephants can destroy crops, prompting calls for the county government to fence the area.
The cooperative has also established an aggregation store for their produce and engaged in cultivating various crops to diversify their agriculture. Kipchumba utilizes his education to teach fellow farmers about animal nutrition, using sorghum stalks as feed to prevent livestock deaths during droughts.
Kipchumba encourages the youth to embrace farming as a viable career, demonstrating that it can be more rewarding than waiting for white-collar jobs. He and his wife, also a graduate, work together on the farm, ensuring financial stability for their family.
Looking ahead, the group plans to partner with seed companies for certified seed production and explore value addition projects. They also aim to establish a petrol station, further diversifying their income. Kipchumba envisions a future where the sacco members achieve financial independence through farming, allowing them to meet their needs without relying on external aid.