Friends of Ondiri and World Agroforestry Advance Farmer Capacity in Kikuyu

Yesterday, the team from Friends of Ondiri Wetland, working in partnership with World Agroforestry (ICRAF), a global leader in agroforestry research dedicated to improving livelihoods, food security and environmental sustainability through the strategic use of trees, undertook a comprehensive field visit across Kikuyu Constituency. The visit formed part of a broader effort to strengthen farmer capacity along the entire tree growing value chain, with a strong emphasis on practical learning, enterprise development and sustainable land use.

The engagement began with a brief but insightful session at the Ondiri Wetland Information Centre, where discussions centred on the interconnected role of wetlands, trees and community stewardship in building resilient landscapes. From there, the team proceeded to Ndeiya Akiwa Farm, a modern, multi dimensional agricultural enterprise that offers an impressive demonstration of integrated farming systems. The farm showcases advanced dairy production, organic farming practices, biogas generation and bio entrepreneurship, and has the capacity to host more than five hundred farmers at a time, making it an ideal centre for farmer training, exposure and knowledge exchange.

The visit continued to Green Farm Avocado Orchard and Nurseries, founded by George Kahumba, whose work exemplifies a strong and well organised avocado value chain. On just half an acre, the Hass avocado orchard produces over two thousand kilograms annually, supported by a robust grafting enterprise that supplies quality seedlings across the country with an impressive maturity period of approximately seventeen months. The farm also features an innovative vertical garden producing strawberries, further highlighting the potential of intensive, high value production on limited land.

In addition, the team visited organised community groups managing tree nurseries near Thogoto Forest adjacent to the rangers’ camp, as well as another active group in the Baraniki area. These groups demonstrated commendable grassroots initiative in tree propagation and forest support activities, underscoring the important role of community based organisations in landscape restoration and sustainable forestry.

Friends of Ondiri Wetland and World Agroforestry are keen to work closely with self help groups, community based organisations, SACCOs and organised farmer groups involved in tree growing within the value chain, including tree growers’ associations, community forest associations focusing on timber, poles, avocado and macadamia, nursery groups, and tree commodity cooperatives such as dairy groups integrating tree fodder. Through such partnerships, the aim is to strengthen local capacities, enhance value addition, and promote sustainable tree based enterprises that support livelihoods while safeguarding ecosystems in Kikuyu Sub County and beyond.