Tharaka Nithi, Kenya – Smallholder farmers in eastern Kenya are recording dramatic improvements in yields, incomes, and climate resilience thanks to regenerative agriculture practices promoted under Farm Africa’s Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture in Kenya (STRAK) project.
The new report Cultivating the Future, released by Farm Africa, highlights how over 50,000 farmers in Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties are benefiting from sustainable methods that restore soil fertility, conserve water, and increase profitability, while safeguarding the environment.
“Our farmers are proving that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. They’re growing more food, earning better incomes, and protecting the ecosystems they depend on,”
— Mary Nyale, Country Director, Farm Africa, Kenya
Big Returns on Investment
Techniques such as mulching, manure application, and fertiliser microdosing are delivering striking results. In Tharaka Nithi, regenerative maize farming achieved a Benefit-Cost Ratio of 5.0, meaning every shilling invested generated five shillings in value. In Embu, farmers reported net benefits of over Ksh 211,509 per hectare from maize cultivation.
Diversification Transforms Livelihoods
Beyond cereals, farmers are branching into beekeeping, indigenous poultry, and agroforestry.
Mati Mwasia, a beekeeper from Tharaka Nithi, has increased honey yields from 20kg to 50kg per harvest and now mentors more than 300 local farmers.
Godfrey Kirimi, a 27-year-old tomato farmer, has doubled his yields, expanded his farm to six acres, and created jobs for over 30 people.
Community-Led Change
Key to STRAK’s success are Village-Based Advisors (VBAs), local champions who provide hands-on support and connect farmers to markets. So far, 76% of farmers in target areas have adopted regenerative practices, a milestone that experts believe could reshape farming in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.
By partnering with county governments and embedding regenerative agriculture into local development plans, STRAK is ensuring these gains extend well beyond individual farms, paving the way for long-term sustainability.
A Scalable Blueprint
As climate change threatens traditional farming systems, STRAK provides a practical model that balances productivity with environmental stewardship. With backing from the IKEA Foundation through AGRA, the initiative demonstrates how regenerative agriculture can transform rural economies across Africa and beyond.
By Swaleh
