Murang’a’s Green Gold: Bitter Struggles Beneath the Boom
By Kimondo Maina, DevReporter, Murang'a County
Key Takeaways
Murang’a contributes 31% to Kenya’s avocado production, making it the country’s leading zone.
Farmers face rampant theft of avocados, often harvested at night before they can sell, even as brokers exploit farmers by buying immature fruit at throwaway prices
Significant enforcement gaps in existing avocado regulations,...
How Farmers in Kajiado Manage Livestock Populations and Combat Climate Change amid Shrinking Pastureland
By Christine Wangoi, DevReporter, Kajiado County
In the arid plains of Kajiado, herders are developing innovative strategies to control the breeding of goats and sheep, addressing the dual challenges of climate change and shrinking pastureland.
Farmers have created a handmade plastic sheath that fits snugly around the belly of a buck or ram, just before the...
Breaking the Silence: Busia Youth Confront Pornography’s Hidden Scars
By Philip Barasa, DeveReporter, Busia County
Key Highlights
Rising smartphone access in Busia is fueling youth exposure to pornography, with NACADA surveys showing over 30% of adolescents affected.
Early exposure, often by age 14, has led to addiction-like behaviors and damaging effects on self-esteem and relationships.
Girls face unique harm, including body image struggles...
Why Soil Testing Could Transform Kenya’s Food Security Agenda
By Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key Highlights
Many farmers in Kenya are unaware of the importance of soil testing and believe it to be too costly.
Soil testing assesses nutrient levels, pH, crop suitability, and provides soil-specific fertilizer recommendations.
The government, through Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), is currently testing and...
Chang’aa: The Illicit Brew Tied to Survival and Struggle in Busia County
By Philip Barasa, DevReporter, Busia County
Key Highlights
Rising unemployment among youth has fuelled a surge in changaa consumption, as many turn to cheap alcohol to escape boredom and hopelessness.
Local women speak out on how changaa has torn families apart, contributing to domestic violence and neglect within households.
Residents accuse some law enforcement...
North Rift Livestock Farmers Oppose Mass Vaccination of Animals Against Diseases
By Emanuel Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key highlights
Government targets 22 million cattle, 50 million goats and sheep for vaccination
Vaccination meant to control transboundary animal diseases, enhance animal productivity
Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) manufactures vaccines to be used
Farmers, Kenya Veterinary Association oppose mass vaccination
President William Ruto insists the...
Elderly Residents From Maragua Venture Into Fish Farming
By Rebecca Wangari, DevReporter, Murang’a County
Key Highlights
Fish farming in Murang’a County
High cost of fish feed has been a major challenge to the farmers
The county assembly has approved a budgetary allocation to facilitate revamping of the venture
Faced with economic hardship and dwindling financial support, a group of elderly residents in Maragua,...
Rural Communities Enjoy Fruits of the Shamba System
By Emanuel Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key highlights
Shamba system introduced by colonial government
It aims to afforest degraded plantations
One has to be a member of CFA to be allocated a forest plot
It is not applicable in indigenous forests
It is implemented by the Kenya Forest...
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