Regenerative agriculture is rapidly gaining traction as a sustainable solution to modern farming challenges. It emphasizes efficient use of natural resources while reducing dependence on synthetic inputs. Though it may require more labor initially, the long-term benefits for both farmers and the environment are significant.
In Kenya’s Makueni County, a semi-arid region with limited rainfall and degraded soils, regenerative agriculture is beginning to take hold. Farmers here are transitioning from conventional practices to sustainable farming, with support from a market-driven regenerative agriculture intervention. This initiative focuses on improving both crop and livestock production systems, particularly for smallholder farmers who have long relied on unpredictable rain-fed agriculture and costly inputs.
Since 2019, the intervention has focused on eliminating post-harvest losses and building sustainable food systems. By 2022, the scope expanded to include regenerative agriculture, following the success of projects like SokoFresh, which offers solar-powered cold storage and market access, and Shambani Pro, which enables farmers to process produce at the farm gate.
The shift to regenerative farming began with a comprehensive issue analysis that identified the root barriers to adoption. Makueni County was selected for its enabling policy environment, potential for soil improvement, and strong network of partners. Over 1,000 farmers have since adopted regenerative practices, transforming how they farm and market their produce.
Previously, Makueni farmers faced numerous challenges from land preparation to market access. Dependence on erratic rainfall and monocropping, combined with high input costs and soil degradation, led to poor yields and limited income. Most farmers sold to local middlemen at low prices, while sustainable produce markets were still developing.
With the regenerative approach, farms are now designed to retain water better and withstand climate extremes. Practices such as intercropping and diversified value chains have improved pest control, soil fertility, and yields. Farmers have shifted their mindset from subsistence to commercial agriculture, now viewing their farms as viable businesses. Some even report harvesting multiple times per season and accessing bulk buyers who offer premium prices.
One farmer, for example, now cultivates fruits, vegetables, legumes, and herbs using methods like swales, mulching, and cover cropping to conserve water and soil health. Despite dry conditions, his farm remains lush and productive, and his income from crops like pumpkins has significantly improved.
Training and continuous support are essential to this transformation. Farmers receive initial training followed by ongoing technical assistance, along with access to essential inputs. The program is grounded in partnerships with organizations that bring expertise in implementation, sustainability, soil health, and organic practices. The County Government of Makueni also plays a vital role in aligning policies with sustainable agriculture goals.
Looking ahead, the initiative plans to scale its efforts, expand into more counties, and deepen its advocacy work at both grassroots and government levels. With continued collaboration and innovative business models, regenerative agriculture is being positioned not just as an ecological solution but as a commercially viable model that enhances food security, improves farmer livelihoods, and promotes environmental resilience.
