Organic agriculture considers the medium- and long-term effect of agricultural interventions on the Agro-ecosystem.

It aims to produce food while establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems.  Organic agriculture takes a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge. (FAO)

In the midst of chaos surrounding the fake fertilizer scandal, farmers have had no where to run to for such a long time. These fertilizers are what they had known for a very long time and finding alternatives has been very difficult.

RODI Kenya at the beginning of the year embarked on a journey to train coffee farmers on organic methods of farming and products they could use to better their produce.

The main goal of these trainings was to ensure the farmers produce healthy food in return they would be more healthy individuals, have organic and free from chemicals produce. The training also hoped to ensure the farmers are more self-reliant .

During the trainings they were able to make organic fertilizers – Bokashi , foliar and pesticides such as super-magro and ash brew on their own hence cutting the costs of buying them and ensuring they get better and more organic produce

The people who have undergone the trainings have had numerous testimonies,

“the leaves for my coffee plantation were turning yellow but once I sprayed the super magro we had been taught to make they are back to normal and my produce has been good.”

– Mr. Walter Wanyoike a coffee farmer

‘RODI Kenya brought these fertilizers as an experiment and they left around 20 bags, the bags were sold out in two days and the farmers have been demanding for more.’

‘…..the farmers have testified that their crops have been doing so well’ – Mr. Michael Mbugua – a community leader and farmer

Most importantly by going organic, the farmers have been able to cut overall costs. They have reduced purchase costs of fertilizers and less health bills since they have become healthier.