Organic farming is a holistic agricultural system that seeks to promote and enhance ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony.
In Kenya, organic farming is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture, offering pathways to improved food safety, environmental conservation, and economic benefits for smallholder farmers. It emphasizes the use of natural inputs and methods, such as composting, biological pest control, and crop rotation, to sustain agricultural productivity.
Examples:
- Practices such as using composted manure for soil fertility, employing beneficial insects for pest control, and rotating crops to enhance soil health are common in organic farming.
- Kenyan farmers engaged in organic farming often grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and cereals, and may also rear livestock, integrating animal health and welfare into the farm’s ecosystem.
Adopting organic farming practices can lead to enhanced soil fertility, reduced chemical use, and improved farm biodiversity. This approach can provide high-quality, chemical-free food products, meeting the growing consumer demand for organic produce and contributing to sustainable rural livelihoods.
Related Terms: Sustainable agriculture, Biodynamic farming, Agroecology, Eco-friendly pest control, Natural fertilizers
