My Farm Failed Season After Season While Others Harvested Abundantly, Until Things Changed, This Is How I Made Things Work For Me
Joseph, a 49-year-old farmer from Bungoma County in western Kenya, had relied on farming all his life. His land was fertile, rainfall in the area was good, and he followed all the recommended farming practices. He planted on time, used certified seeds, and applied fertilizer just like other farmers around him. Yet, season after season, his farm disappointed him. While neighbors harvested bags of maize and beans, Joseph barely got enough to feed his family.At first, Joseph blamed the weather.
When rains delayed, he said it was drought. When rains were heavy, he blamed floods. But even in seasons when conditions were perfect and others celebrated bumper harvests, his crops failed again. His maize would grow halfway and dry up, or pests would attack his farm alone. Each season ended with losses, debts, and shame.The situation became worse over time. Joseph borrowed money to improve his farm, hoping better inputs would change things. Instead, the debts piled up.
