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No. 100 September 2013
Dear Readers
Celebrating 100 issues of TOF TOF issue number 100! This translates to 800 print pages with information for farmers and about farmers which we have published during the more than eight years the magazine has been in circulation. The journey has been on a long and exciting one; from the first issue of 10,000 copies, which we published way back in April 2005, to the current issue number 100 with a print run of 32,000 copies. Over the years, TOF has made thousands of friends within the small-scale farming community in Kenya, East Africa and beyond, the community of scientists in the country, extension officers from the Ministry
in this issue Fight the worms
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of Agriculture and even in colleges and schools. To date TOF, as farmers popularly refer to it, is very well known all over the country (see insert).
Huge feedback The hundreds of articles and pictures, through which TOF used to pass key messages on organic farming, were by far not a one-way information transfer channel. Farmers did their part by sharing tips and ideas for articles as well as reacting and or responding to letters, phone calls, e-mails and SMS. We are thankful for the huge feedback
from farmers. For us working with the farmers is inspiring and motivating. The production of magazine, however, requires teamwork. Lucy Macharia, the administrator, and James Wathuge, the designer, contributed tremendously to the success of the magazine. We wrap up this short introduction with a word of thanks to the publisher, icipe, and Biovision Foundation for Ecological Development in Switzerland, for tirelessly shouldered the cost of production and distribution of The Organic Farmer magazine all these years. Editors
New icipe Director-General The icipe Governing Council has appointed an Ethiopian scientist, Dr Segenet Kelemu, as the new Director-General of icipe. Page 8
Courtesy: icipe
With this issue, The Organic Farmer, one of the principal agricultural magazines in Africa, celebrates its number 100 publication since inception.
Grow bulb onions the right way Donkey care
TOF on the web
theorganicfarmer.org mkulimambunifu.org facebook.com/ theorganicfarmer twitter.com/ TOFMagazine
TOF partners on the web biovision.ch infonet-biovision.org icipe.org
TOFRadio
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TOF - Bulb onions are one of the fast moving market gardening vegetables crops in the market today. The onions can earn farmers very good returns if they are grown and managed. Unfortunately many Kenyan farmers tend to concentrate on common vegetable crops such as tomatoes, cabbages and sukumawiki, which often flood the market. Another problem is the curing of the onions. Many farmers are always in
a rush to harvest and take the onions to the market but forget that they require proper drying and curing to stop rotting during storage. This rush is to blame for the low quality of local bulb onions. As a result most of the onions grown in Kenya are of low quality compared to those imported from Tanzania. This is one reason why the local onions cannot compete in the market with imported ones. (Page 3)
The Organic Farmer has turned out to be an amazing success story. That you are holding
the 100th edition in your hands is truly remarkable. It shows that a huge void was filled when the magazine was launched in 2005, with access to vital information being a big problem for small-scale farmers, not just in Kenya, but all over Africa. Accordingly, the rapid growth of the magazine was demand driven. Today TOF reaches up to 240,000 readers and the Internet site biovision-infonet. org is visited by over 900 people a day. Weekly radio shows, the SMS service and access to information through smart phones complement TOF and vastly increased its reach. The information on sustainable agricultural production is key to assisting millions of smallholders, who are, as is widely recognised, crucial for ensuring food security for the population, creating jobs and maintaining a healthy environment. All of which form the basis for any healthy economy. However, the need for extension services and ongoing support for smallholders is traditionally neglected by many policy makers who pay lip service to the enormous performance of the people who feed the country. For these reasons, Biovision Foundation, together with icipe, has supported TOF from the beginning, and will continue to do so in the years to come. Andreas Schriber CEO, Biovision – Foundation for Ecological Development
TOF P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi 00100, Tel. +254 20 863 21 86, SMS: 0715 916 136, Email: info@organickenya.org
No. 100
September, 2013
Parasite control improves animal health
It is difficult to completely eradicate parasites in animals, but they can be managed in a way that does not affect the animals’ health so much. The secret to good parasite management is to avoid high infestation Peter Kamau Deworm- and to strengthen the vitality ing is a big challenge to many and resistance of your animals. farmers. Images of cattle, sheep and goats in a very bad shape, Understand the worms to are a common sight on most fight them farms in the countryside. One reason for this is that farmers The animals mostly pick worms do not associate the poor health when grazing during the wet of their animals with worm season, since these parasites find infestation. Indeed, farmers the right conditions that enable will often consult a veterinarian them to multiply. thinking a disease has affected Farmers should therefore know their animals. The main types the life cycles of each internal of worms in livestock include parasite in order to control them roundworms (nematodes) and more effectively. One fact that flat worms (platyhelminthes), farmers should know is that it is only the adult worm that like flukes and tapeworms. lives in the internal organs of Symptoms of worm the animal, grazing cattle pick the worm larvae with the grass; infestation the larvae then grow into adult Young calves are especially worms inside the animal. prone to worms, because of Coccidia, intestinal worms and their weak immune system. The common symptoms tapeworms mainly reside in the include frequent diarrhoea and intestines, lungworms live in the weak appearance. Adult cows, lungs, liverflukes are found in the affected by worms and inter- liver while brain worms in sheep nal parasites, reduce milk pro- and goats live in the brain. Once duction and are susceptible to the worms produce eggs, the eggs anemia, and can even die in are passed out with animal dung. severe conditions. As the rainy When there is sufficient moisture, season sets in, worm infestation the eggs develop into tiny infectiin domestic animals tends to tious larvae that survive in pasincrease, interfering with their tures until they are taken up by normal growth and milk pro- the animals while grazing. duction. To prevent worm infestation, Grazing management farmers have to deworm their controls worms animals at regular intervals and Good grazing management can maintain proper animal man- go a long way in worm control. agement through feeding and Farmers can take the following even hygiene. measures to reduce worm infestation: • Divide the pasture into four or five paddocks and allow animals into each paddock at a time through rotation. Graze each paddock for about a week and let it recover for one month. • Graze the young calves first in each paddock before allowing the adult cows into the paddock; An animal liver damaged by this reduces worm infestation in worms. calves. The Organic Farmer is an independent magazine for the East African farming community. It promotes organic farming and supports discussions on all aspects of sustainable development. It is published monthly by icipe. The reports in the The Organic Farmer do not necessarily reflect the views of icipe. License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Courtesy: farmfile
Animals pick worms at the egg (larvae) stage while grazing. The parasites later grow into adult worms inside the animals. • Do not overstock or overgraze the paddocks. • Fence off swampy areas to prevent animals from drinking water in such areas to reduce liverfluke infestation.
Deworming Farmers should buy the right dewormers to control worms in their animals. To reduce the incidence of worm resistance to dewormers, it is important to use different deworming drugs in each cycle of deworming. The right dosage is important (follow the label!); under dosing leads to resistance and parasite survival. Always ask for assistance and the services of a qualified veterinarian to advice you on the most effective dewormers in the market.
Natural dewormers reduce worm infestation Farmers can also reduce worm infestation in their livestock by use of natural dewormers. Herbal dewormers are not as fast acting as synthetics ones, but they can be useful in reducing worms in livestock if given
regularly and over a long period of time. The most common include: • Pyrethrum extract “pymac” (mix with animal feed at all times), • Minced garlic (250g in 4 litres of water given at 2 litres per day, always after milking!) • neem (neem cake, seeds oil or bark mixed with feed) • Artemisia spp. (wormwood, use extracts) • Pumpkin seeds (or seed extracts), • Wild ginger (mince 50g of aerial roots and give to cattle sheep and goats). • Albinzia anthelmintica -mwowa or kyalundathi in Kikamba (soak 500g of chopped bark in 3 litres of water overnight, sieve and drench).
Courtesy: lifetree
Courtesy: cattlesite
Deworming livestock at the beginning and end of every rainy season improves their health and productivity.
A bundle of tapeworms.
Publisher African Insect Science for Food and Sponsor Biovision, a SwissHealth (icipe), P.O. Box 30772, 00100 Nairobi, based foundation for the promoKENYA, +254 20 863 20 00; icipe@icipe.org; tion of sustainable development, www.icipe.org based in Zürich, Switzerland. Editors Caroline Nyakundi, Peter Kamau www.biovision.ch Administrator Lucy W. Macharia, 020 863 21 86 Advisory Board icipe: Sunday Address The Organic Farmer, c/o icipe, Ekesi, Nguya Maniania; farmer from Wangige: P.O. Box 30772, 00100 Nairobi, KENYA; Charles Kimani; KARI: Joseph Mureithi; ILRI: +254 738 390 715; 020 863 21 87 Henry Kiara info@organickenya.org; www.theorganicfarmer.org Layout In-A-Vision Systems (k), James Wathuge
No. 100
September, 2013
There is good market for bulb onions A lot of fresh bulb onions in Kenya are imported from Tanzania because there is a limited supply in the country.
Bulb onions can be grown from seed sown in a nursery and then transplanted or through direct planting in the shamba. Nursery establishment: Onions are first planted in a nursery. A good site for the nursery should be identified, preferably on a flat ground that is protected from wind and near a permanent water source. In wet areas with heavy soils, it is advisable to raise the seedbed. Make a 1m wide bed. The length of the bed can be as long the area intended for planting. Sunken beds: In areas with limited rainfall, a sunken bed can be prepared. Well-composited manure should be applied on *Agnes Ndegwa is an agronomist at KARI, Thika.
urea) should be avoided as it can lead to late maturity, development of double bulbs and poor standability. Direct seeding: If you want to plant bulb onions directly in the shamba, ensure you do this on raised beds. Raised beds ensure Harvesting and storage better drainage and prevent soil Bulb onions should be harcompaction. They also make it vested at 5 or 6 months dependeasier to separate the soil from ing variety planted. Harvesting the bulbs during harvest. Each bed consists of two rows of Continued on page 6 onions. About 5kg of seed are enough for one hectare. The plants are thinned to the recommended density when they attain a height of 15cm. The thinned plants can be planted on another bed specially prepared for this purpose. The raised beds should be at least 1m wide. Add well composited manure and rock phosphate fertilizer applied to enrich the soil. Direct planting can also be Courtesy: sparkpeople
Bulb onion management
the seedbed at a rate of 2kg per square metre, the manure should be worked into the seedbed soil. Make the seedbed free of weeds and harmful soil organisms by covering it with a plastic sheet for three weeks (this is called solarisation). Remove the plastic sheet after this process and tread the soil to make it firm. Planting seeds: Rake the soil to a fine texture and then water it a day before planting the seeds. Make tiny furrows about 15cm apart. Plant the seeds at 1-2cm depth and cover lightly with the soil and then compact the soil firmly. On the seedbed you can then place light straw, which can be removed after seedling emergence. Keep the nursery weed free of weed otherwise the onions cannot grow well. Transplant the seedlings after 6-8 weeks when the seedlings are about 15 cm tall. The seedlings can be stored for up to 3 weeks before transplanting. Do not wet the seedling before transplanting them. Transplanting: Seedlings should be transplanted at a spacing of 30cm x 8cm x 3cm below the soil surface. Apply manure fortified with rock phosphate or any other organic fertilizer in the planting furrows and mix thoroughly with the soil before planting. Plant the seedlings and water them immediately to remove air pockets that cause the seedlings to dry and die. Apply any organic fertilizer for topdressing with tithonia and comfrey extracts and add more compost. Fertilizer with too much nitrogen (for instance
Courtesy: sparkpeople
are the third most important vegetable crop in Kenya after sukumawiki, cabbages and tomatoes. Onions grow in a wide range of climatic conditions. However, they do better in warmer parts of the country (mainly in Loitokitok, Kibwezi, Taveta, MeruMitunguu, Nyeri-Kieni, Kisii and Bungoma). This means that farmers in quite many parts of the country can grow them for sale. A lot of bulb onions are also imported from Tanzania because Kenyan farmers cannot cope with the demand. There is therefore a good market opportunity for farmers who would like to venture into bulb onion production. Below are some of requirements for a successful bulb onion production. Climate: Bulb onions can be grown in most parts of the country, but they grow best below an altitude of 1900m. The right temperature for bulb onion production is between 15 - 30째C with rainfall ranging between 500-700mm. The onions require a dry period at maturity and harvesting. Soils: Bulb onions grow well in fertile, well-drained, friable (soft) loam soil with a high level of organic matter and good water holding capacity. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Courtesy: sparkpeople
Agnes Ndegwa* Bulb onions
done without using raised beds by applying manure at 40tons/ ha. Tiny furrows, 2.5cm deep and 30cm wide, are made across the field. Apply rock phosphate fertilizer and work it into the soil. Plant the seeds into the furrows and water regularly as the seed grows. Thin the seedlings to leave 8cm between one plant and the next at 4 to 6 weeks. Plant the thinned onions elsewhere at a spacing of 30cm x 8cm (between and within the rows). Watering: Onions should be watered adequately for proper growth of roots and leaves and ensure bulb enlargement. Weeding: Light weeding is recommended. Do not heap the soil around the plant to prevent stem rot. Weeding should be avoided towards the end of the season. Ten days before harvesting, one-third of the bulb should be exposed to facilitate bulb and neck to dry and harden. Remove soil gently away from the bulbs. Stop watering one week before harvest to allow the onions to dry.
One third of the bulb should be exposed for bulb and neck to dry.
No. 100
September, 2013
Why it is important to treat your donkey well Laura Künzig It was truly unusual to watch a parade being led by donkeys and the Administration Police Band. It showed how much the people of Limuru respect their animals. “We respect our donkeys because they win our daily bread”, says Steven Thiga from Limuru. He is one of the many donkey owners who came to celebrate the National Donkey Day on May 17, 2013. His donkeys transport potatoes to the market, bring grass for the cows and pull the cart with peoples’ load who pay for the service. Thiga treats his donkeys well and he knows how to work with them. • To show them in which direction he wants them to go, he uses a stick or a whip for indication, but he does not hit them. He waves the stick from behind but never on their head which would make them head-shy and difficult to work with. • Donkeys like dry places to sleep at, otherwise they will get problems with their legs. • They need to be well fed; providing enough water every day is crucial for the health of the
Courtesy: Laura Künzig
Donkeys are hard working and can improve lives. It's however hard to understand why farmers mistreat their donkeys.
Well kept donkeys: The harness is made of soft materials that do not hurt the animal or rub its body sore. donkeys. Donkeys need breaks and time for resting so that they are not being overworked. • In Limuru, the veterinaries from KENDAT explained in
among other issues, how to use a rope and how to approach the donkeys. Since they cannot see clearly in the front and in the back, the best way to approach
them is coming from the side. The donkey owner should be patient; this builds trust as the donkey gets used to the owner. Donkeys should never be beaten.
Animal cruelty is forbidden by law All animals including donkeys in Kenya are protected by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Therefore, cruelly beating, kicking, mal-treating, over-riding, over-driving, overloading, torturing, infuriating or terrifying any animal is for-
bidden. Anyone who mistreats animals through starving, underfeeding, denying water, abandoning, keeping them in a bad environment, denying veterinary treatment, poisoning or injuring animals “shall be guilty of an offence of cruelty [and]
liable to a fine, a term of imprisonment, or both.” (Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act, Revised Edition 2012, Chaper 360, pp. 5f. (Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act, Revised Edition 2012, Chapter 360, pp. 5f.
Common but false myths concerning the treatment of donkeys Myth 1: If a donkey gets sick it will die, no matter what you do to it. Fact: If a donkey is sick, like any other animal it requires medical attention from a qualified Animal Health practitioner - either a vet or animal health technician. In addition, it needs to be fed well and given plenty of water to replace lost fluid. In a short while, it will be healthy again. Myth 2: If a donkey is carried on a vehicle it will laugh itself to death. Fact: Although donkeys are used as transport animals, there is no relationship between a donkey being carried on a vehicle and death. The most important thing is to make it as comfortable as possible during transportation to prevail any stress. Myth 3: A donkey will die if it does not work hard every day. Fact: Although donkeys are hard working, they should not
be overworked. For maximum output, donkeys need enough rest, adequate feeding and watering. When not at work, it is important to remove the harness from the donkey. Myth 4: If you get in contact with a donkey's dung you will get tetanus. Fact: Tetanus is caused by bacteria, which can be found in any animal’s dung and in the soil. Because of their tendency to roll on the ground, donkeys often contract tetanus if they have open wounds, which get in contact with the dung or the soil. Wounds of animals and people should therefore be treated, covered and kept clean. People and donkeys should be vaccinated against tetanus. Myth 5: A donkey should be buried with a 100 Shilling note in its mouth as a reward for its hard work when it was alive. Fact: The best way to reward your donkey is to use the money when
it is still alive. A great reward for the donkey is to ensure that it is treated and handled well. Myth 6: A donkey can only feed at night because during the day it is supposed to be working. Fact: Working donkeys use large amounts of energy in the course of their working day. They therefore need good food. Like any other animal, they also require enough time to sleep and rest at night. They can be fed at any time of the day, especially in between working periods or when they have finished working. Myth 7: If you don't work a donkey hard it will become hostile and unfriendly. Fact: A well cared for donkey is friendly and a nice companion at work. On the contrary, beating, poor harnessing and overworking makes the donkey unfriendly and hostile. Myth 8: Every new donkey has to get wounds before it gets used to its work.
Fact: Wounds make the donkey uncomfortable and difficult to work with. It should therefore be trained to take on new tasks instead of being forced with beating and caning. Myth 9: If cows are kept in the same enclosure with donkeys the cows will become infertile. Fact: Livestock are social and blend naturally when they live together. Infertility is caused by factors such as malnutrition, not by donkeys. Myth 10: If a donkey gets blind, grind a glass bottle and put the glass powder in the eye. It will clean the cloudy cornea to heal. Fact: Eye problems may be caused by dust, pollution or flies. At the earliest sign of discharge, redness or cloudiness, take the animal to a veterinary officer for treatment. Delay may worsen the condition and the donkey may become blind. Broken glass will puncture the eye leading to a painful blindness.
No. 100
September, 2013
Grow passion fruits well and earn more Joan Mukiri Passion fruits are always in demand, regardless of the season they are grown. One of the reasons for this is their scarcity. Very few farmers are able to produce passion fruits for fear of fungal diseases and pests. Before venturing into passion fruit production, farmers need to arm themselves with adequate information on general management of the orchard, including disease and pest control measures. There are two major varieties of passion fruits that are popular with consumers in the market: • Passiflora edulis var flavicarpa (yellow passion): This variety grows in the cooler highland areas, produces yellow fruits and is grown mainly for the supply of fresh fruits. • Passiflora edulis var (purple variety): The variety does well in coastal strip. It is purple in colour and is mainly used for processing fruit juice and for fresh market. Farmers who have tried passion fruit production in many parts of the country have been unsuccessful due to attack of the crop by Fusarium wilt fungal disease and aphids. This is because farmers have continuously ignored advice from agricultural experts on the use of certified planting material and pest control. To reduce the incidence of diseases and
A well-done trellis system in a passion fruit plantation. There is enough space between the rows for application of compost to the plants since passion fruits do much better in fertile soils. Take care of the posts and the wire, since you will need them during the rotation cycle. Passion fruits should not be grown for more than 2-3 years on the same plot. pests in the purple variety especially, grafting with the yellow variety is recommended – with the yellow variety as rootstock (lower section of the graft). The following are the requirements of passion fruit production.
Climatic requirements Passion fruit requires fertile, well-drained soils that are not acidic (pH 5.5 to 7). It also needs a moist climate with at least 1000 mm of rainfall per year. The purple variety requires about 1600mm of rainfall and prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. The yellow type can do well in areas with temperatures of between 25 °C and 30°C.
Courtesy: Forbes
Despite its attractive prices, farmers have abandoned passion fruit farming in many parts of the country.
ploughing and harrowing is necessary due to hard pans in the soil. Planting holes of 45 cm x 45cm at the spacing of 2 m x 3m for hand cultivation and 3m x 3m for mechanized cultivation is recommended at least 3 weeks before transplanting. When digging the planting holes, the topsoil should be kept on one side of the hole while the subsoil is kept on the other. Mix one debe (10 kg) of farmyard manure with topsoil and refill the hole with the mixture.
Planting
The soil around the seedling should be made firm but not too firm. The positioning of the seedlings has to be similar to that in the nursery. After plantLand preparation ing, the grafting point should Passion fruit plants, with their not have any contact with the deep root system, require soil to avoid fungal infection. proper land cultivation. Deep The seedling should be irrigated
to ensure quick rooting and shooting of the plant.
Trellis system A trellis system is a line made to support climbing plants. In passion fruit planting, the system should be erected immediately after planting. Posts are placed at spacings of 6 m in line with the passion fruit, thus alternating one post with plants (this means that a post is placed after every two plants). Posts should be dug about 40 cm deep; before placing them into the soil, they should be treated with a suitable chemical to prevent termite attack. The end-posts should be anchored firmly in the ground. Running along the top of the post is a wire. Use an 8-gauge wire for this purpose (farmers are advised to use coated wire).
Soon after planting, the young plants are tied to training sticks till they reach the wire at the top. Only two vines should be allowed to grow, remove weaker vines. When the vines reach the wire, the two are wound carefully around it in opposite directions. Secondary shoots appearing along the wire of the trellising system must be left and the other pruned.
Prunning and fertilizer Old unproductive shoots and deadwood must be removed. Secondary shoots also need pruning when they are about to reach the ground level. The lateral shoots which bear the fruits should be left to hang down freely from the wire and
Courtesy: Culinarycreative
Maintenance of passion fruit plantations
Passion fruits are sensitive plants. They need adequate sun and air, which helps in ripening prevent the outbreak of diseases. the entangling tendrils need to be cut off to allow free air and light penetration. Removal also helps reduce disease and pest incidence. All equipment used for pruning should be disinfected to prevent the spread of viral diseases.
In organic farming use of organic fertilizer is recommended. Regular application of compost and Fermented Plant Extracts (FPE) increases yields and helps to control diseases and pests. To avoid the build-up of soil-borne diseases and pests, passion fruits
should not be grown for more than two years on the same piece of land. In the next issue of TOF, we will provide more information on the most common diseases that affect passion fruit production and provide measures farmers can take to control them.
No. 100
September, 2013
"Tips from TOF have improved my livelihood" Jotham has learnt fish farming, dairy goat keeping and value addition which have helped him increase his income. Alfred Amusibwa For many years, Jotham Egadwa and the members of Jiinue Self Help Group have been receiving copies of TOF magazine as well as training provided by i-TOF project. Jotham’s farm in Wodanga is a model organic farming farm. The industrious farmer is a good example of a farmer who has acquired knowledge and skills that have changed his life. "A wealth of farming practices, techniques, new ideas and proper crop management have featured in TOF magazines that have been produced over the years," says Jotham. "Many of them have enabled me improve my livelihood; through improved soil fertility, and especially my income generating farming ventures". Jotham is eager to reveal how he discovered new ideas, and eventually transformed them into profitable agribusiness enterprises, courtesy of TOF: Fish Farming To start off, Jotham discusses his fish farming project for it earns him a handsome income. This topic has been adequately
tackled in a number of TOF issues. With some additional trainings, he easily ventured into this business. "Fish is nutritious and to my family. I also sell them to generate an income," he explains. Jotham remembers how he read, reflected on and put into practice the tips he got from TOF about fish breeding, management, harvesting, storage and marketing. He urges all farmers interested in fish farming to refer to these articles as “they will enable them to practise fish farming successfully," he advises.
Dairy Goat farming Jotham likes milk and especially goat milk. When he read some articles on goat farming, he decided to buy some dairy goats. "I managed to buy four dairy goats, since I realized that dairy goat keeping is a good business". Today, he has all the skills one requires for proper goat management. He milks two dairy goats and he really appreciates the benefits thereof because goats’ milk is sweet, nutritious and fetches good money, compared to that of cows. From his goats, he carefully collects the droppings and uses them for making compost. Recently, he sold three offsprings that fetched him good income. From this sale, he invested in other farm activities.
Soil fertility
Jotham Egadwa
Continued from Page 3
Jotham Egadwa' fishpond provides his family with healthy protein.
Since TOF has written so many articles on how to improve soil fertility, Jotham has used these ideas to prepare compost, liquid fertilizers and plant teas. "My crops have improved, I realize better vegetable yields, for instance sukumawiki, and even my bananas are doing better than before due to organic farm management," he adds.
bulbs. Bulb onions need curing for 2 to 3 weeks before storage. should be done under dry con- One acre of bulb onions can ditions. If under irrigation, it produce 7 to 10 tonnes. is important to stop watering Grading: Onions intended for 7 to 10 days before harvest. Onions are ready for harvest when the tops begin to dry up and fall. Pull out the bulbs by hand and allow them to dry. Clip the roots and cut off the tops, leaving at least 1 to 2 inch stem on the bulb. The onions should be kept in cool, dry condition and separated for preservation and to prevent bruising. Sorting should be done to remove damaged and diseased
A good model of a Mandala garden.
Bee keeping
(Photos: Alfred Amusibwa)
fetch a better price if he processed them. "I think value addition is the way-out for us smallscale farmers," he counsels. Together, with other members of his group, they have began to process soya beans. They produce soya milk, soya flour, soya chapatis and other products. They sell them during farm functions like field days, World Food Day and exhibitions where they fetch good money.
Another topic from which Jotham has benefited immensely is beekeeping. He got the idea and, backed by training from the i-TOF field officer, bought some beehives. "Now I sell the honey at farmers’ events,” he says. Going round his farm, one can understand why he praises TOF and its slogan "Farming is a business". He adds: "Learning new methods and topics such the need for diversification is important for us small-scale A long wish list farmers". to The Organic Farmer Like other innovative small- Jotham is thankful that TOF was scale farmers, Jotham has dis- an eye opener and assisted him covered that his products can with valuable ideas and tips, this way increasing his income. fresh market are graded accord- He proposes quite a long list of topics he would like to see feaing to size (large, medium and tured in future editions: Credit small) and packaged in net bags. and financial issues, certificaOnions intended for dehydration of organic products, soil tion should be sorted to remove testing, human health and infecthe damaged and badly shaped tious diseases. He would like to ones. get more health information on Storage: Bulb onions should be medicinal trees, their traditional stored in mesh bags (net bags) or values and their uses such as in spread out on a mesh or screen disease control. to allow adequate ventilation. For animal health, TOF should Storage should be in well-venti- focus on signs and symptoms lated sheds. Well- cured onions of diseases and how to control can be stored for up to 200 days. them. He urges the TOF crew to In one of our future editions, we will keep up the good work and conwrite about diseases and pests that affect tinue supporting farmers with bulb onions and look at how farmers can knowledge, "because it feels so control them. good to be empowered."
No. 100
September, 2013
Banana diseases pose a big threat to production We have a big problem with banana plants like Musa nana, Musa sapientum and Musa paradisiacal. These plants are going to disappear because of one regional diseases. I would like if possible to get help from you. Gracien Sivanza, Democratic Republic of Congo
There are two diseases that currently have a very bad impact on banana plants in the East African region. One of them is the Banana Xanthomas Wilt (BXW); the other is called the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV). Although we cannot
be able to tell what particular disease may have attacked your bananas, the two are the most serious diseases as shown below.
Banana Xanthomas Wilt (BXW) BXW causes the leaves of the plant to dry. The fruit ripens prematurely and is uneven and becomes hard. Furthermore, a yellowish fluid develops in the trunk of the tree. The wilt is spread by insects and infected hoes. The disease does not cause harm to animals and humans. So far, no cure has been found for the disease, but there are some methods to prevent the spreading of the wilt. All infected plants should be dug up, chopped into pieces, burned and buried.
Field sanitation
This banana plant is badly damaged by the Banana Xanthomas wilt: The leaves are dry, the fruits become hard.
It also helps to remove the male bud immediately the last fruits have set. It is better to use a forked stick and break the male bud off rather than cutting it with a knife, because the knife will be infected and carry the disease to other plants. The male bud usually attracts insects that will spread the disease. Debudding does not make a plant immune to the wilt but it will diminish the possibility of infection.
Also other animals like cows can infect healthy plants when moving around. They should therefore be tied to prevent them from reaching the plants. Tools should be disinfected before they are used on another plant. This can be done by severely exposing them to fire. These methods are labour intensive, but they have proven useful in eradication of the disease in the fields of small-scale farmers and they prevent the disease from spreading. Even a heavily infected field can be replanted with bananas after a period of eight months. Meanwhile, noncereals like cassava, potatoes or beans may be planted there, but should be monitored regularly. Chemicals cannot control the wilt, and resistant varieties have not been found so far.
A banana plant affected by Banana Bunchy Top Virus: The leaves grow as a bunch (photo above). Below, a banana affected by aphids which spread the virus.
Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) BBTV is spread by aphids and stunts and it kills the banana plants. The first symptoms are dark green streaks in the lower leaves. Later new leaves will come out more narrow and generally the plant will be stunted. It is difficult to recognize the disease in the beginning; therefore regular inspection is the first preventive measure. Infected plants must be destroyed early them. To kill the aphids, a spray by digging them up and burning of soapy water can be used and sprayed especially on the upper petioles and the unfurled leaf. Also here the disinfection of tools and general field hygiene are crucial and an efficient way of preventing the disease from spreading. When all diseased plants are removed from the field, it is possible to replant. Seedlings should be purchased from a trusted distributor to ensure the new plants are virus free.
When chickens stop laying eggs My chickens stay for a long ditions under period of time before they which they start laying. What could be the are kept. problem? The main Many poultry farmers partic- factors that ularly those keeping chickens bring about for a long time become puzzled m o u l t i n g when the hens suddenly stop are physical laying eggs. This happens at e x h a u s t i o n times when the birds appear and fatigue, quite healthy. This phenomenon c o m p l e t i o n laying is called moulting. Moulting is of process of shedding or renewing cycle (birds feathers. During the moulting lay eggs for period, the reproductive system certain period of a bird comes to a complete of time) Most poultry farmers lock rest from laying eggs. The bird builds up its body reserves of up their chickens in their sheds to restrict movement especially nutrients. Moulting is a natural process after planting their crops at the where the chickens shed their beginning of the rainy season feathers and grow new ones to to prevent them from damaging protect themselves from cold or the young crops. The restricto maintain their ability to fly tion is not accompanied with through growth of new feathers. adequate feeding of the birds. The birds’ conditions deterioUnder normal conditions chickens may moult once, twice a rates to a point where the nutriyear or rarely once in two years ents they receive cannot support depending on breed and con- egg production because the little
Communication and cooperation
feed available to the chickens is used for body maintenance and nourishment of their feathers. Feathers contain proteins and are more easily grown when laying stops because of an unadequate protein for both egg laying and feather production. Chickens therefore require adequate and good quality feed to replace the feathers and build up their body condition to start laying eggs again. pk
However much a single farmer can take care of their plantation and keep it wilt and virus-free, it is crucial that farmers, organizations and the government work together to eliminate these diseases. First of all, farmers should educate their neighbours on the diseases and the importance of preventive measures. As much as organizations, in cooperation with governments, are distributing clean tools and seedlings, it is important that farmers themselves remain keen to keep those diseases manageable. Laura KĂźnzig
No. 100
September, 2013
Information through radio Radio has the widest reach in rural areas compared to any other medium. It is a vital tool for information dissemination, knowledge sharing and creating linkages between farmers and research institutions.
Dr. Segenet Kelemu
icipe has a new Director General Dr. Segenet Kelemu an Ethiopian scientist has been appointed the new Director General of icipe taking over from Prof. Christian Borgemeister, who has held the position for the last eight years. Dr. Kelemu, the first woman to head icipe, is the fourth Director General to head the institution since it was founded by renowned Kenyan scientist Prof. Thomas Odhiambo in 1970. Dr. Kelemu’s appointment was officially announced by Prof. John Picket, chairman of icipe Governing Council, “We are extremely confident that Dr. Kelemu will ably advance the organisation’s overall mission of improving food security and the health of the people in Africa. She has immense experience in agricultural research, capacity building and in managing research for development. Indeed, over the past two decades, her own research and that of teams under her leadership has contributed immensely to addressing a variety of key problems facing agriculture in Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America,” said Prof. Picket. Before her appointment, Dr. Kelemu was the Vice-President for Programmes at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Previously, she has worked at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) as a Director of the Biosciences, eastern and central Africa (BeacA), Senior Scientist and later Leader of Crop and Agroecosytem Health Management at the International Centre of Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Cali, Colombia and as researcher at Cornell, Montana and Kansas Universities in the US.
John Cheburet Five years ago, The Organic Farmer magazine started TOFRadio as a way of reaching a wider audience with its message of environmentally-friendly farming practices. Simply put, the farmer uses farming methods that take care of the environment so that the environment can continue to support farming for food and for the market. The magazine was already making information accessible to farmers at a time when funding for extension was at an all time low, and crucial farming information was held up in the archives and libraries of research institutions. TOF was conceived and seen as a bridge between farmers on the one hand and scientists on the other, utilizing the print media to expose farmers to practical, easily understandable and applicable information on new technologies developed by research institutions.
At face value, it may seem that there is little connection between radio and farming. In Kenya, radio is known to be a news and entertainment medium, with more focus on the entertainment through music and live talk shows. However, the same medium is a tool for empowerment as it is a trusted source of information that shapes opinions and attitudes, especially in rural areas where majority of
TOFRadio
TOFRadio
Why radio?
KBC, Thursday 8:15pm Milele FM, Tuesday 8:30pm farmers reside. In farming areas, most families own a radio, the affordable transistor radio.
Educational value Beyond this, radio has educational value and has been proved to be a catalyst for rural development. As experienced by TOFRadio, farmers listen to stories of other successful farmers and apply the information they get from the programs to do the same, from formulating rations for their indigenous chicken to improving the health of their soils through the proper use of farmyard manure.
In order to reach more farmers, especially in rural areas, TOFRadio program was born. The program is produced and broadcast in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture through the Agriculture Information Resource Centre (AIRC) and aired on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) every Thursday at 8:15pm. TOFRadio has also expanded to Milele FM, where it is aired every Tuesday Interactions at 8:30pm, giving farmers more The story of TOFRadio is unique and varied content. because of the supportive role it plays to the TOF magazine. TOF and TOFRadio Through TOFRadio, listeners learn about TOF magazine, and In May 2007, TOF made through TOF magazine farmers a trial run of a radio proknow when to listen to their gramme; they of course favourite farming programme. mentioned the magazine and Our intention is to build on this the address where to get it. proven complementarity of the The response from farmers print and the broadcast media was immediate. TOF had to in order to deliver a farmers’ increase the circulation from information package that will 14,000 to 16,000 copies to enable them to produce more, meet the demand. The same for domestic consumption and happened in July 2008, when for the market, ensuring the creTOFRadio started officially. TOF had to print 2,000 copies ation of jobs and wealth - and caring for the environment. more, bringing the total number of copies printed to Since farmer creativity is at the 18,000. There is significant heart of agribusiness, TOFRadio synergy between radio prois looking to the next farmer grams and the magazine, innovation frontiers that will which advertises the radio help shape farming and take it programs in every issue. to the next level.
0717 551 129 / 0738 390 715
Exhibition: The Vi Agroforestry project in Trans Nzoia County is inviting farmers to an open learning event to be held on 17th to 19th September 2013 at the Vi Agroforestry farm in Kitale. The theme of the event is “Sustainable Land Management for Productivity, Agribusiness Development and Climate Adaptation.” All farmers are invited. Matthew Limo, Farm Manager. Silage tubes for sale: We have silage tubes for sale to interested farmers. Star Rays Centre, Nangili Corner along EldoretKitale road. Training for farmer groups also available. William Makechi 0721 245 443 Ducks for sale: I have 20 ducks for sale. Contact Evans Musuko 0723 342 969 Sunflower for sale: I have 1 acre of sunflower ready for harvest. Interested buyers call 0716 737 635. Beeswax wanted: I need 2kg of beeswax. Call Ojuma David 0724 320 966 Hydroponics nutrients wanted: I am looking for a place where I can buy the hydroponics nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca etc). Kindly indicate the shops available and locations. Denoh Tosh Grape cultivars for sale: Available in Dodoma, Tanzania in abundance. Nicholas Muyale Cereals wanted: I want to start a cereals business. Anyone who can supply me with maize, beans, groundnuts, ndengu, rice, eggs? Send me your contacts. Rowland W. Simiyu Calling farmers from Meru: I am for farmers from Meru who have land and reliable water sources or who live near rivers. I want to give them a chance to change their lives. We give the seeds,you grow for the market. I will provide extension education and management and enable you to make up to Ksh 100,000 every month. Those interested inbox me so we can start from September 2013 onwards. Musso II. Chickens wanted: I need chickens from Chinese store. Ham Bill. Eggs for sale: Anyone who needs to be supplied with 20 trays of yellow yolk eggs per week in Eldoret area? Contact me. Elijah Koskey. Vanilla wanted: I need vanilla, any lead where I can get it? Waswa Moses Baraka
TOF 100
Special Edition No. 100 September 2013
A strong voice for small-scale farmers practices within the Kenyan society and especially among the small-scale farmers (see text below). Thousands of individual farmers and farmers' groups have adopted useful tips on sustainable agriculture in TOF magazine. They followed as well the slogan "Farming is a business" and started various agricultural enterprises such as poultry keeping, dairy farming; others earn an additional income through value addition such as in making sweet potato flour, sun-drying mangoes and bananas, selling herbal remedies for pest control and even setting up tree nurseries for sale of seedlings to fellow farmers and organisations.
The feedback from farmers shows that small-scale farmers are eager to learn new, sustainable methods of farming that improve their earnings.
The Organic Farmer Newspapers and magazines hardly exist in a vacuum. They need continous contact with their readers. We are all confronted with changes in the society and have to adapt our content to meet the changing needs. The Organic Farmer is not an exception. Of course, TOF has never lost sight of its main goal, which is to give small-scale farmers a voice and platform to articulate their needs, to support them with useful information on organic animal husbandry and crop production. But the magazine has had to cope with upcoming development and realized with a lot of satisfaction the growing assertiveness in the small-scale farming community. TOF respects the small-scale farmers, not only because they work hard to earn a living in a very difficult production and market environment, but as well for their important role in ensuring the country has adequate food. TOF is not
Willing to change
alone in this endeavour. Indeed, the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has declared that the small-scale farmers are the backbone for food security in Africa and started programmes to support them. A reading through the 100 issues of TOF produced so far shows a deep and positive change in the adoption of organic farming
A shot in the arm for organic farming To name a new magazine “The Organic Farmer”, as we did in the year 2005, was an optimistic view of the future. Conventional farming was popular in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa. Organic farming however discouraged the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and even drugs used for disease control. This was a minority view that was opposed by many, including multinational companies that sell chemical inputs, the government and the scientific lobbies that supported conventional agriculture. This attitude, however, has changed slowly, as the lively feedback from farmers in form of calls, SMS and emails has shown. A TOF special about plant extracts as remedies for pests and diseases, which was published with the additional 10,000 copies in 2006, was sold out within a few weeks.
No one TOF issue was more demanded by farmers than the one on compost making. After the election unrest in early 2008, when the prices for chemical fertilizers went up to Ksh 4,500 per bag, more than 100 farmers called every week wanting information on how to make compost and how to improve soil fertility naturally. The fact that District Agricultural Officers all over Kenya use TOF for educating the farmers is another sign that the prejudices against organic farming are disappearing, even in the government. Today, thousands of smallscale farmers in Kenya practise sustainable agriculture. They know that it needs more labour, but they save money that would have been spent buying chemicals. They also have the added benefit of healthy food and environment.
work very well – in this regard, the editors add here a word of apology: So many farmers' groups have invited them to visit their groups and shamba to see what they have achieved. As for farmers, and even for editors, the day has only 24 hours.
TOF's products
The Organic Farmer magazine is part of Biovision's Farmer Communication Program (FCP). In 2007, TOF launched a trial with a radio program for some weeks. The response on TOFRadio was huge. Within ten days after the first program went on air, 356 farmers' groups applied to receive TOF. In August 2008 TOFRadio started again. Today, the radio division led by John Cheburet, airs on KBC radio and Milele FM (story page 8). After numerous requests from small scale farmers for practical trainings, TOF contracted field information officers (iTOFs) in 2009 to help train farmers on application of various technologies. They are Victoria Mutinda in Kangundo (Eastern), Peter Murage in Gatuto (Central) and Alfred Amusibwa in Buyangu (Western). The three iTOFs are now part of FCP’s outreach programme. TOF's youngest initiative was the launch of Mkulima Mbunifu, a magazine for Tanzanian farmers in July 2011.
TOFRadio
Small-scale farmers, who were previously viewed as being too conservative, are willing to learn and eager to adopt new and sustainable farming methods. They have realised the financial benefits of new farming technologies. A good example is the link between feeding dairy cattle and milk production. TOF has continuosly the need for good and sufficient quality fodder for dairy cattle. "Grazing along the roads does not fill the milk cans", wrote TOF in a number of articles in 2006, 2007 and 2008, when the milk prices went up sharply. TOF at the time received hundreds of questions from farmers who wanted to know how they could improve fodder production through quality fodder grass and good concentrates for their dairy cows. Farmers have leant that it requires the right inputs for one to get improved production from dairy cows.
Reawakening farmers TOF has written about most of the challenges small-scale farmers are faced with, such as low prices for agricultural products, poor infrastructure, lack of electricity and of training facilities. Though we cannot do much we are pleased to note that, smallscale farmers are waking up and fighting for their rights. Farmers groups who read TOF magazine are now willing the handle the challenges to improve their lives. Some have come together and formed CBOs while others have set up marketing groups which
The Kiswahili language magazine is run by Ayubu Nnko as editor and Gabriela John as the administrator. The infonet-biovision hub is a source of knowledge for farmers, TOF, TOFRadio, the FCP outreach program and Mkulima Mbunifu. TOF
No. 100
"Visit us, you will see TOF's work" We have achieved alot by reading the TOF magazine. The work the magazine has done speaks volumes about itself. All you need to do is visit our group and see what we have done using
September, 2013
the information from the magazine and our good teacher Peter Murage, who was sent to us by TOF to educate us on organic farming. I am not literate, I can’t read the language used however simple it is, but I am able to understand all topics through the help of my group members. I have learnt and put into practice all information in the magazine. Teresa Muthoni, Kangumo
"We need a strong lo As The Organic Farmer celebrates 100 issues since its launch in April 2005. Philomena Nyagilo talked to the two pioneer editors of the magazine, Peter Kamau (pk) and Peter Baumgartner (bgt). What made you think of starting a farmers magazine in Kenya? bgt: Small-scale farmers are a neglected lot, not only in Kenya but also across Africa. They have limited sources of information to improve their farming methods ... pk: ... the lack of information is a major cause of food insecurity and poverty for millions of farmers in rural areas. bgt: This is why we thought of starting a farmers magazine to address these issues and ensure farmers are empowered to produce more food and do it more sustainably to protect the environment.
circulated to farmers outside the groups. pk: Sending the magazine to farmers groups also helped to save on postage costs. It would have been too expensive to send TOF to individual farmers. bgt: Farmers come together to discuss articles and assist each other. If one does not understand an issue, or if they have additional questions. Many groups now file each issue of the magazine where members can make reference whenever they need particular information. pk: In 2010, when we had a farmers’ competition to mark 5 years since we launched the magazine. We asked farmers to write down any idea or technology they had acquired from the magazine and further put it into practice. From the 180 participants, at least 25 “engaged” their children to write to TOF about what they had gained from the magazine.
A flood of feedback What sort of a publication did You mentioned something to you envisage and whom did do with the “social effect”. What do you mean? you partner with? pk: We wanted a magazine that would be simple in language more like a practical instruction manual providing information such as how to improve soil fertility using compost, green manures and crop rotation. This has reduced the need for use of chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides that harm our fragile environment and ecosystems. bgt: Biovision, the Swiss Foundation for Ecological Development, especially its CEO Andi Schriber, were very much interested in publishing and financing such a magazine. icipe and its then directorgeneral Hans Herren were willing to be the publisher. This saved us from going through a lengthy registration process.
"Compost for the school's garden" The compost heaps, covered with dry eucalyptus leaves, are nearly as high as the students of the Karaini Secondary School in Kirinyaga District. Their agricultural club likes reading The Organic Farmer magazine, to share ideas they got from it and to prepare compost for the school garden. Our photo shows the students getting training from i-TOF field officer Peter
Murage. Joseph Mugo Muriithi, a teacher who has a passion for organic farming, appreciates the double effect of the agricultural education: “Organic farming is not only assisting our schools. Pupils have transferred the knowledge gained from TOF and at school to their homes, and some of them have established kitchen gardens at home and of course put up compost heaps.’’
9 readers for 1 copy TOF mainly targets farmers’ groups. Why is this? bgt: The reason for this was very simple. We decided the best way for farmers to use TOF was for them to share the copies to encourage discussion on the information carried in each issue of TOF. The sharing of the magazine also had a social effect. After launching the magazine, we did a short survey and discovered that each copy was shared by 7 to 9 farmers. We found that in most cases, the magazine was also
pk: Before we started the magazine, most farmers we targeted worked individually. Within two years, more than 400 groups had been formed solely for the purpose of getting TOF. To date they still work together as groups. bgt: We embraced the slogan "Unity is strength". The idea was to encourage farmers to work together. TOF-sharing had a cohesive effect, which forced the smallscale farmers to discuss common problems and look for solutions in order to cope with the many challenges they face in farming, such as selling their produce directly to the market as a group instead of involving middlemen.
After the first issue, how was the feedback from the smallscale farmers? pk: Over-whelming. We had so many new groups that wanted to receive copies. Many farmers sent us questions and contributions, thanking us as well for the information we carried in the magazine. bgt: At this time, mobile phones, SMS and e-mails were not common among farmers. So they sent us letters at an average of 60 letters every week. It was quite challenging to cope with this flood of correspondence since we were only the two of us. But we relied on Lucy Macharia, the TOF administrator, who did a great job
No. 100
obby for farmers"
September, 2013
in serialising and organising the farmers to do a market survey before starting any agricultural mountain of correspondence. The two of you are journalists enterprise, be it rabbit keeping, farming, mushroom producand not specialists in agricul- fish tion or even poultry keeping. ture. How do you manage to answer all the questions from pk: Another challenge is that we have new readers every month farmers? who ask the same questions bgt: A few months after launch- answered before. So we have to ing TOF, we visited Su Kahumbu, repeat the same information over a pioneer in organic farming at and over. But I think this is a her farm near Limuru. We had challenge for every magazine or with us a few questions, which newspaper. we requested her to answer on our behalf. Farmers are sidelined Su answered the farmers' ques- What issues would you like tions very well and instantly featured in the magazine in became a celebrity. Whenever future? we visited farmers’ groups, the first question was: "Where is Su pk: The policies and programmes Kahumbu? Why didn’t you come promoted by the government and donors have no direct benefits for with her?” pk: At the beginning most of the small-scale farmers. Millions of farmers questions were answered dollars are spent every year on by Su Kahumbu and by the two programmes that are supposed to of us. To date we have answered help these farmers, but the money more than 600 questions in the is used for buying expensive vehi100 TOF issues. Of course, we cles and paying allowances for have to consult specialists from government officials; there is very every agricultural field as well as little on the ground to write home books, research papers and online about. sources to give the best answers to We need a strong lobby for the questions. farmers to help reverse this situation. We have to write more on Farmers lack credit these issues in future. Apart from the distribution, bgt: Small-scale farming is still which you feature on page IV defined by low productivity, of this special issue, what other food insecurity and increasing challenges have your encoun- poverty. Farmers need simple tered? solutions such as the right envibgt: There are many challenges. ronment where they can access After writing many articles espe- markets, value addition, promocially on agribusiness, a good tion of small-scale technologies, number of farmers believed that credit and insurance for crops and we could assist them with loans animals. to enable them start various agriUnless all stakeholders get their cultural enterprises. Unfortupriorities right, they will never nately, we were not able to do transform agriculture and the this; however we assisted them lives of millions of people who with important contacts and tips rely on it. We also need better on how to apply for loans from prices for agricultural products. banks and even writing proposThis would give the small-scale als for funding by donors. It is a farmers a higher income and pity that, despite agriculture supporting 80 per cent of the coun- attract the youth into farming. try’s population, credit schemes are unaffordable for small-scale farmers. pk: Organically produced food is healthier and has a higher value to the consumer. There was great expectation among farmers that they would get good prices for their organic produce. But unfortunately, there was no market for organic produce. Initially, organic farmers were disappointed but luckily, organic markets are now being established. bgt: From this experience, we have learnt a lot. We now advice
"TOF is the corner stone of my work" Since 2005 when the m a g a zine was launched, it has been like a corner stone in my field of work as an agriculturalist. I work with the Ministry of Agriculture in KangundoMatuu. TOF magazine and infonet CD has been comprehensive in terms of information. Personally, the magazine has been a reference tool of work while educating the
farmers. Much content is available online, but the TOF magazine delivers updated information with good photos and incredibly helpful information. The articles have plenty of personal experience peppered in. The tone has the feel of getting information in a conversation with another farmer. There's a focus on self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Any small-scale farmer will find this magazine practical and useful for their everyday work. I am glad to be associated with the TOF magazine and to make a living out of farming. William Mwangi (DAO, Kangundo-Matuu)
"From poverty to prosperity"
"Kick-start to organic farming"
"Through TOF I have learnt how to make compost fertilizers and plant extracts, to improve crops and yields. I have also developed the interest in keeping dairy animals. It can get us out of poverty. The language used is simple and understandable. It brings group members together to share and to educate each other. Whoever initiated this magazine should live longer and God bless him very much". James Otaye, farmer (WI-DERO CBO), Jera Ugunja
TOF magazine has been the only magazine in Kenya that has catered for the welfare and interest of farmers. The launch of TOF boosted organic farming among farmers in Kenya. Since 2006 when we received the first edition, our group has benefited a lot. We were honoured by the gesture of TOF sending a field officer Victoria Mutinda to train us for free. However, the negative part is that now Victoria went to a different region hence we have no one to consult. Gideon Mitaa (Kangundo-Sakyantwasi)
100 issues of TOF together
When you look back, what can you say has been your greatest achievement?
pk: TOF is now the only agricultural magazine that reaches farmers in every corne of the country. It provides regular regular information to farmers in Kenya and even in East Africa. On average, 10 farmers’ groups per week apply for The Organic Farmer magazine. Any issues raised gets the attention of people even at the highest level of government. This is an achievement anyone can be proud of.
Since 2005, Lucy Macharia, the administrator, and editors Peter Kamau and Peter Baumgartner have worked together to produce 100 editions of TOF. TOF also relied on contributions from William Ayako, Anja Bengelstorff, John Cheburet, Teresa
Székely and of course on our field staff Alfred Amusibwa, Victoria Mutinda and Peter Murage, not to forget our proofreader Michael Mwendwa. With great respect we fondly remember the late Annalee Mengech who was our technical editor.
TOF 100: A milestone
No. 100
Su Kahumbu
Writing for the 100th edition of TOF is a great honour that takes me back to 2005 and the first time I met Peter Baumgartner. It was a cold drizzly morning, when he ventured up to my farm in Tigoni. We walked through my organic shamba, through rows of lettuce and herbs, discussing the trials and tribulations of organic production. Stopping at the “earthworm hotel” we marveled at how useful these little creatures were in the realm of organic production, yet how little they were understood. In fact, how often they were misunderstood.
TOF gave me a platform An hour later we were seated in the warm kitchen sipping coffee, as we discussed about ideas and plans to produce a newspaper that would help to bring organic knowledge to farmers across the country. The newspaper was to be called The Organic Farmer (TOF). As an ardent organic farmer myself who had battled to get information on organic production, this was music to my ears. A magazine in Kenya for the organic producers? It sounded magical. With the invitation from the editors, I wrote my first story, which was featured in the second edition of the magazine that was published on the May 2 2005.
September, 2013
TOF distribution is an immense task
TOF — A magazine or a newspaper which does not reach the readers is not worth the paper it is written on. The editors of The Organic Farmer have been spared this fate, because they could rely on Lucy Macharia, the TOF administrator since the launch of the magazine. Many farmers do not write their address properly or shift to other places without informing our office - the envelopes are then sent back to Nairobi with the remark “Address unknown.” Others fail to pay for the post office rental boxes - the Postal Corporation of Kenya has always dutifully returned all such parcels to us with a note "box closed." Since January this year, 102 addresses have been cancelled from our mailing list because of this problem. More than 333 new farmers' groups have applied for TOF since January 2013. This means that the mailing list with thousands addresses needs to be updated daily. When TOF started in April 2005 with 10'000 copies, our database had 300 addresses of farmers' groups, which TOF obtained from
I answered farmers’ questions The Editors’ drive, dedication and vision gave birth to a newspaper that became an instant hit. By the 4th Edition in July 2005, they were overwhelmed with farmers sending in questions about their problems and seeking advice. I was honoured with the task of sharing my solutions with the readers through what then became the help page. Peter Baumgartner inspired me and gave me the opportunity through TOF, to contribute to the successes of organic producers across the country. By doing so, he gave wings to my dormant talent of teaching and learning. This has also given birth to the creation of i-Cow, (*285#) a mobile phone education tool for farmers, availing yet another medium for access to information to increase knowledge and productivity among farmers, the safe and sustainable way.
Phenomenal growth in readership Eight successful years and four months later brings us to today, 100 editions of TOF, 800 pages of valuable content available to farmers across not only Kenya, but now Tanzania too, which has Mkulima Mbunifu magazine for Tanzanian farmers. A magazine that has grown to be not only for farmers, but by farmers too, enabling inspirational stories to spread like seed in the wind. From farmer to farmer, field to field. Our shared passion for organic agriculture and vision for the future of safe food production in Kenya continues to drive us today and we look forward to the next 100 editions of TOF. Congratulations to a great visionary editors of TOF magazine Peter Baumgartner and his counterpart Peter Kamau, and their dedicated team, Lucy Macharia, the administrator and John Cheburet the TOFRadio Manager. Many thanks to the Biovision Foundation for making this possible.
The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN). Today, our mailing list contains 2,355 farmers' groups. 18,180 copies are sent directly to farmers' groups, individuals, companies, NGO’s and agricultural institutions. Additionally, around 700 groups (Church groups, CBO’s and cooperative societies) get 13,220 copies of the magazine through big distributors, for instance the Dioceses of Catholic Church, Baraka Agricultural College, Vi Agroforestry Organisation and several others. TOF is sent to 52 District Agricultural Officers (DAOs), and to 226 schools and institutions.
facts & figures • When TOF started in 2005 with 10,000 copies, the distribution cost was Ksh 43,000, today it is Ksh 225,000. • 31,400 issues of TOF are sent out monthly, 18'180 copies through postal corporation through letters and small parcels. 13,220 copies in 91 big parcels to big distributors. • TOF has so far published 2,300 long and short articles, illustrated them with more than 2,700 pictures and sketches.
Our designer James Wathuge at work.
The battles for quality Peter Kamau It was while working as a News Correspondent for the Daily Nation in my remote outpost of Lodwar, Turkana district in mid 90s that I met Peter Baumgartner, who was then the Africa Correspondent for a Swiss newspaper, Tages Anzeiger. I was therefore delighted when Baumgartner sought me out in 2005 and informed me he wanted us to start a farmer’s magazine. By the time I arrived in Nairobi for the first planning meeting, Baumgartner had already prepared a dummy (example of magazine). We fine-tuned the beat plan (content). What followed three weeks later was grueling work that forced us to work late into the night. We did not have an office, Peter would work from his house and me from a friends house in Ruaraka. We would then meet on the verandah of Narap Refugee Centre where we would review the material we had gathered. Peter took me through every step of magazine production in what I would call a baptism of fire. After three weeks of research, writing, re–writing, editing, revising, proof-reading and finally going to press, Baumgartner called me one morning. “Peter, our magazine is ready,“ he said. I imme-
diately changed and went to join him at Colourprint company where we went through the new magazine with great joy. The production of a specialized magazine such as The Organic Farmer requires meticulous planning, exchange of ideas, seeking out specialized scientists in research institutions and universities, agricultural institutions, government departments, relevant books, online research and farmers. Sometimes, my differences with Peter over the content degenerated into heated arguments in the office that left the rest of the staff wondering if I would have a job the next day. But we had such deep respect for each other that what came out of our deliberations was one of the best content a farmer can get. It is therefore with great sadness that I will have to work without Baumgartner as he has retired.