Advancing sustainable organic farming for smallholders

Organic farming is becoming increasingly recognized as a key approach to achieving sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on natural processes and the exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and genetically modified organisms. CNBC Africa recently spoke to Sylvia Kuria, an organic farmer and the founder of Sylvia's Basket, to gain insights into the world of sustainable organic farming for smallholders. Kuria highlighted the importance of starting with the basics by taking care of the soil, as healthy soil is essential for strong plants that can resist diseases and adapt to varying weather conditions. She emphasized the need for crop rotation and diversification to maintain soil fertility and prevent pest outbreaks. Kuria also discussed the significance of group certification systems, such as Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), that enable smallholder farmers to access organic certification programs and higher value markets. By working together and undergoing training, farmers can obtain the 'Kilimo Hai' mark, which distinguishes their products as organic in East African markets. Market access for organic produce relies heavily on building trust with consumers, making local market promotion and integration crucial for smallholders. In terms of maximizing income and building resilience, Kuria suggested diversifying crops, creating demonstration farms, and focusing on creating a microclimate similar to a forest ecosystem through agro-biodiversity and indigenous trees and crops. By reducing input costs and focusing on sustainable practices, smallholder farmers can not only enhance their livelihoods but also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.