The journey to Eburru is a challenging one, with steep slopes and winding roads. The town itself is a small, quiet place, with a population of around 1,500 people. It is known for its beautiful scenery, with rolling hills and lush green vegetation. Eburru is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the country and beyond.
At the foot of Eburru, modern agricultural techniques are heavily conspicuous. In Naivasha, heavy machinery and modern agricultural tactics have taken over in spraying and watering the vast pieces of land; however, despite the transformation of their neighbors, farmers in Eburru are still stuck with ‘old’ agricultural practices commonly known as organic farming. 46-year-old Joseph Irebe is a popular farmer and a resident of Eburru. He lives with his wife and children in his 2-acre piece of land, which borders Eburru Forest. Irebe is an agricultural fanatic, a trait that he says runs in his family bloodline. “I was born here in Eburru, and my father was an agricultural officer, but he retired. So I have always had that passion after seeing what he was doing. After I finished my studies, I was not able to secure another job, and that’s when I decided to venture more into agriculture. I have been in agriculture for more than 15 years now,” he said.
Irebe’s land is a testament to the power of sustainable agriculture. He utilizes a variety of techniques, including crop rotation, intercropping, and composting, to maximize yield and minimize environmental impact. Crop rotation, for instance, involves planting different crops in a specific sequence, each crop benefiting from the nutrients left behind by the previous one. This helps prevent soil depletion and pest infestations.
This practice, rooted in centuries-old wisdom, has been proven effective in controlling pests and diseases. The farmer utilizes a variety of herbs, each with its own unique properties, to create a natural and sustainable pest control system. The use of herbs as pesticides is not a new concept. For centuries, farmers have relied on natural remedies to protect their crops.
We use natural remedies. We have a lot of pests in the farm, but we are managing them with natural remedies. We are using neem oil, garlic, and other natural remedies to control pests. We have a sustainable approach to pest management.”
This is a statement about organic farming practices. It highlights the use of natural remedies like neem oil, garlic, and other natural substances to control pests.
Some of the benefits linked with this technique of farming include soil enrichment, environmental sustainability, healthy living, preservation of biodiversity, economic empowerment, and water conservation. The country has seen a discernible increase in farmers choosing to switch to organic farming in recent years, despite the quick uptake of modern agricultural techniques and technology. Currently, in Kenya, there are more than 170,000 hectares of land farmed organically. Irebe has also embraced water collection recipes, such as installing catchment systems, excavating dams to collect rainfall, and using drip irrigation, which he asserts have been essential to sustaining his agricultural output during dry seasons.
This fence, along with the KFS’s educational programs, has significantly contributed to the conservation of the Eburru Forest and the surrounding ecosystem. The article highlights the importance of collaboration between different organizations and institutions in achieving conservation goals. The success of the Eburru Forest conservation project is a testament to the power of partnerships, where each organization brings its unique expertise and resources to the table. The article also emphasizes the role of agricultural education in promoting sustainable land use practices.
Moreover, the organization has taught farmers about beekeeping and other sustainable agriculture practices through partnerships with other institutions such as the National Beekeeping Institute and other initiatives. Through these programs, Irebe and other local farmers in the area have access to agricultural officers once a month who visit their farms, evaluate progress, and offer advice, which has greatly elevated their agricultural wisdom. According to Eburru residents, the conservation of the forest has been a key catalyst in increasing the rains, which have been pivotal in maintaining the agricultural palatability of the lands that were once bare. Despite it being a tourist destination, several farmers from Eburru have mounted beehives in the forest, a step that has not only boosted honey production but also their knowledge on forest conservation.
This balance is crucial for the natural regeneration of the mountain’s biodiversity. The use of natural fertilizers and pest control methods has led to a significant increase in the biodiversity of Mount Eburru. This increase is evident in the variety of plant and animal species found on the mountain.
It is a place of peace and quiet, where I can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. My shamba is my sanctuary, my refuge from the world. It is a place where I can reconnect with nature, and I find solace in its embrace. My shamba is a source of food and income, but it is also a source of joy and fulfillment.
