Climate Resilient Agriculture in Western Kenya

We are the El-Koony Center, a conservation nonprofit located in Mount Elgon, Western Kenya. Over 75% of the working population in this region relies on farming as their primary source of income, yet detrimental farming practices, such as intensified farming, have been encouraged to compensate for low production. Maize, the primary food crop, is widely grown and readily available for the local community. Despite high soil fertility, food insecurity is a prevalent issue in this highly populated region with a monoculture existence. Although intensification farming can lead to higher outputs, these practices can have substantial negative effects on the environment, leading to soil degradation, eutrophication of water sources, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2018, we initiated a Climate-resilient Agriculture scientific research project, and we plan to  expand the project onto the community farms located in Kiptogot and Kimothon on the slopes of Mt Elgon. Our primary aim for this project is to examine the ‘yield to cost’ outputs from growing cereal crops in the Mt Elgon region of Kenya by comparing traditional methods for increasing agricultural production versus sustainable and climate-resilient methods.

 

With the proceeds from this fundraiser, we will be able to buy the following items for the successful implementation of this project with the farmers:

-Soil testing kits

-Soil thermometers

-Digital 100kg weighing scale

-Chlorophyll meter

-Zip bags for soil sample collection