BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Over 900 smallholder tea farmers in Kirinyaga County have completed a six-month training program on regenerative and climate-smart agriculture aimed at boosting productivity and building resilience against climate change.
The initiative, implemented at Kimunye Tea Factory by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Foundation in partnership with Rainforest Alliance under the Mount Kenya Landscape Sustainability Program, introduced farmers to agribusiness, renewable energy, entrepreneurship, and gender-sensitive approaches.
Rainforest Alliance project officer Susan Kinyua said the training is part of a long-term plan to prepare at least 25,000 farmers in Kirinyaga and Embu counties to withstand climate shocks while conserving the environment.
“Already, 930 farmers in 40 groups have graduated, and the next intake begins in October. Our goal is to make farmers agents of change by sharing this knowledge in their communities,” said Kinyua, adding that follow-ups will be conducted to ensure the training delivers measurable results.
Kimunye Tea Factory chairperson Simon Njeru urged farmers to diversify beyond tea, replace aging bushes with high-yielding varieties, and embrace alternative sources of income.
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Farmers welcomed the program as transformative. Edward Munene said the lessons will reduce reliance on tea while opening opportunities in new ventures.
At the same time, Juma Gitinchi highlighted the benefits of organic farming and kitchen gardens in lowering chemical costs and improving diets.
The training also promoted renewable energy solutions, such as biogas, which reduced household fuel expenses and alleviated pressure on forests.
With a focus on climate resilience and modern agribusiness, the program is positioning Kirinyaga farmers for a more sustainable and secure farming future across the Mount Kenya region.
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