Smart Agriculture through crop diversification in Marigat

By Joyce Okuta

 Farmers in Marigat Sub-county have for a long time relied on maize crop for subsistence and commercial use. This occasionally leads to massive loss caused by emergence of pests and diseases like maize lethal necrosis that has been reported in most parts of Baringo County.

In Loboi location, Kamoskoi village in Marigat sub-county, farmers have ventured into banana farming to supplement maize.

Mr. Vincent Sibilo is among the farmers who have taken the initiative to plant bananas. After quitting a job he found to be unfulfilling, he decided to undertake banana production which he says he has never regretted.

He bought 2 acre piece of land in Kamoskoi village in 2012, the land was bare with no vegetation, but three years down the line it is a different environment, green and serene.

“The effects of climate change motivated me to plant bananas in my farm.” He says

Mr. Sibilo recounts the change in rainfall patterns over the past 10 years, farmers expected short rains between March and April but in the recent years rains are erratic.

Farmers in kamuskoi irrigation scheme depend mainly on water from River Loboi and irrigate using canals.

Bananas require little water compared to maize. Bananas are irrigated once in a month while maize is irrigated 2-3 times in a week; furthermore the crop is much resistant to plant pest and diseases compared to maize.

“Bananas are cheaper to produce due to its perennial nature. Once established, one can harvest for 4 years or more.” Mr. Sibilo affirms.

During drought banana stalks are used as livestock feeds hence reducing the cost of buying hay.

He adds that it takes 6 months for the crop to mature and the market is readily available and lucrative. Prices range between 300- 700 depending on the variety and size.

The market is diversified; he sells locally and in major towns like Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret.

Just like any other crop banana farming has its own challenges. Banana vegetation creates a favorable environment for dangerous snakes. The crop may also be attacked by diseases like banana cigatoka and pests like nematodes. Wildlife like zebras and antelopes might cause destruction in the banana farm.

Mr. Sibilo’s initiative has attracted attention from neighbouring farmers who have replicated his venture. He recently hosted a delegation from Ethiopia who visited his farm to learn about climate smart agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture is planning to hold farmers field day in September 2014 at Mr. Sibilo’s farm.