When Jennifer Maingi took a Sh10,000 loan from a Chama (investment group) in 2021, she wasn’t aware that the decision would change her financial life forever.
Jennifer who resides in Kitui South invested the money in farming and is now reaping big from vegetable and fruit farming despite the harsh climatic conditions in the Ukambani region.
Her farm in Athi Village hosts various crops including Tomatoes, mangoes, pawpaws, and vegetables, including kale, spinach, and traditional vegetables.
Her tomatoes alone occupy three-quarters of an acre, with the farmer relying on them as her main source of income.
“On average, I harvest about 10 crates of tomatoes a month, which I sell at Sh5,000. In a season which takes about six months, I am able to make about Sh200,000,” she told Seeds of Gold.
The farmer also makes decent income from her 20 mango trees dotting the farm. Every season, she makes about Sh100,000 from mango sales alone.
She attributes her farming success to the irrigation system she has put in place, which shields her crops from the harsh dry spells that regularly affect the area.
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This strategic approach has made her one of the most sought-after farmers for tomatoes, vegetables, maize, and fruits in Kitui South.
Every season, Jennifer makes Sh150,000 from tomatoes and an additional Sh100,000 from mango sales, excluding revenue from vegetables like kales, spinach, and other traditional produce.
The farmer is now seeking to expand her venture and has prepared 5 acres of land to venture into watermelon farming.
“Farming has been very good to me. I have been able to pay school fees for my children,” she says, adding that her fresh produce is always in high demand in Athi and Mutomo markets where she sells.
Jennifer however lamented challenges in her venture, among them costly farm inputs and pests and diseases.
“Controlling the diseases affecting tomatoes and mangoes normally requires a lot of pesticides, which is expensive. My appeal to the government is to lower the cost of these farm inputs so as to lighten the burden of farmers,” she explains.
She uses a generator to pump water from the Athi River, consuming diesel that costs her at least Sh3,000 weekly—an expense that significantly eats into her profits.
She advises women to embrace farming and consider using irrigation in areas where the climate is not conducive.
