Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
A group of enterprising youth from Kanyuambora in the Mbeere North sub-county has embraced hydroponic farming, a modern and efficient agricultural method, to address food insecurity and combat the adverse effects of climate change in the region.
The Inua Youth Group, one of 29 groups funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies in collaboration with the Embu County Government’s Youth Climate Action Fund, is pioneering this technique to cultivate crops in the arid region.
Hydroponic farming, which uses a water-based nutrient solution and pumice as a soil substitute, has allowed the youth to grow vegetables such as kales, broccoli, and pigweed, even amid the region’s harsh climatic conditions.
Grace Joy Gakii, the group’s leader, highlighted the benefits of this method, noting that it conserves critical resources like land and water.
“This method conserves both land and water, which are critical resources in Mbeere North, an area that has suffered from prolonged droughts and declining crop yields due to climate change,” Gakii said.
Each hydroponic tower contains 48 planting holes and requires only three liters daily, demonstrating the system’s water efficiency.
The initiative, supported by Bloomberg and the county government funding, has proven to be a game-changer for the youth group.
“Vertical and spiral gardening can be done on the balconies of apartments, eliminating the need to buy vegetables daily. These gardens also help to regulate temperatures and absorb industrial gases in towns,” Gakii added.
“The setup of the hydroponic system is costly, but with the assistance from Bloomberg and the county government, we have been able to implement it successfully,” said Hassan Muriuki, another group member.
The youth aim to expand the use of hydroponic farming, setting up systems in urban spaces to demonstrate its scalability.
Governor Cecily Mbarire commended the youth-led project as a key element in the county’s strategy to address environmental issues and promised continued support.
“The Embu County Government is committed to helping these young farmers access broader markets for their produce,” she said.
The Kanyuambora youth’s efforts offer a sustainable solution for agriculture in the County, where erratic weather and dwindling arable land have strained food production.
Their innovative approach boosts food security and serves as a model for other young people to engage in climate action.
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