From the Field

Kenya, 2017

While exploring east and west Africa with Seed.uno, documenting innovative agricultural enterprises. Here in the Mwea district, which accounts for 80% of Kenya's rice production is suffering declining soil quality and reduced yields. A local entrepreneur is recycling the rice husks (usually waste from the milling process) to produce an organic fertilizer which is also countering the acidic conditions. 

While spending a day in the rice fields we met this farmer. She farms 1 acre of land that belongs to the government and is granted on a no-fee lease. After labor, production and milling she'll earn about $2800 USD for a years work in the field, she is hopeful the organic fertilizer will restore soil quality and help her produce more rice. With the extra money she hopes to be able to afford activities for her children. 

Further north, on the banks of a dam, also home to hippo's who watch on as farmers tend to their fields. The land is granted for use by the dam company who allow the farmers to use it at their own risk of rising/ falling water lines and predators. At night, a farmer sleeps in the field to protect their yearly earning from the hippos.

It was an honour to be able share in their story spend time with them.