How farmers are integrating modern, traditional farming models to beat food insecurity

Amid growing fears of a looming food crisis in Kenya, innovative farming strategies are taking centre stage.

ReliefWeb's latest update on food insecurity shows a modest improvement in the country’s situation, with the number of people experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity decreasing to 1.8 million between July and September, compared to 2.2 million between February and March this year.

Despite this temporary relief, the forecast remains bleak.

The report warns that food security is expected to deteriorate between October 2025 and January 2026, particularly during the short rains season.

An estimated 2.1 million people are projected to experience high levels of acute food insecurity during this period.

The expected decline is largely attributed to below-average rainfall, which is likely to drive up staple food prices.

Additionally, resource-based conflicts and rising human-wildlife interactions are expected to exacerbate the situation.

In an effort to avert this looming crisis, farmers are adopting a unique approach that combines modern agricultural techniques with traditional practices, aiming to boost food production and build resilience against future shocks.

The fusion is not only driving increased crop yields but is also proving to be a cost-effective solution, positioning itself as a key strategy in addressing the looming crisis.

Nevertheless, the farming paradigm is also proving to be a beacon of hope for the agricultural sector, enhancing both productivity and the quality of produce to fit export standards.

A case study in Kajiado County features Alexine Khasoa, a Kenyan farmer based in Kitengela, who has ventured into large-scale production of tomatoes.

She testifies on the significant transformation she has recorded from the integration at her farm, Limitless Farm Fresh.

“The breakthrough came when a visiting agronomist introduced me to the Balanced Crop Nutrition Programme. The results were immediate and dramatic,” Khasoa said.

Soil fertility

The programme, championed by the international agricultural organisation, Mosaic Crop Nutrition, involves managing soil fertility to ensure plants receive all 17 essential nutrients in the right proportions and at the right time for optimal growth and yield.

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Its implementation begins with a thorough diagnostic assessment, primarily involving soil and tissue testing to determine current nutrient availability and specific crop needs.

Based on the analytical results, a strategic plan is created that adheres to the 4R nutrient stewardship principles: applying the Right source, at the Right rate, at the Right time, and in the Right place.

This initial phase sets realistic yield goals and tailors the nutrient plan to the specific field conditions, considering macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, soil pH, and the value of organic matter already present.

Execution involves integrated nutrient management, combining organic sources like compost or manure with manufactured fertilisers to provide a reliable, timely, and plant-available nutrient supply throughout the growing season.

Precision technologies such as variable-rate application and fertigation are also used to optimise placement and timing, ensuring nutrients are delivered efficiently to the plant's root zone.

The final step is continuous monitoring through in-season tissue testing and post-harvest yield analysis to evaluate the program's effectiveness and make adjustments for the next season.

This ensures long-term soil health and sustainable productivity.

Notably, the whole process seeks to enhance soil health, improve crop resistance to pests and diseases, increase water use efficiency, and maximise farm profitability by supporting the plant's full genetic potential.

“Initially, I was getting 35 to 40 tonnes per acre but only harvested for a period of two months. With this new guidance, I could hit between 80 to 100 tonnes per acre and harvest for up to a period of seven months,” Khasoa noted.

Artificial fertilisers

Regarding fertilisers and soil health, industry leaders, including Rashid Khator, Secretary of Administration at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, caution that excessive reliance on artificial fertilisers without proper guidance can degrade soil quality.

To this effect, he spotlights the need to integrate both organic and inorganic fertilisers for mutual effect, as the soil will be able to get more of organic nutrients, which are also vital for the production of not just significant quantities but quality too.

“While these fertilisers have played a role in boosting productivity, we have also witnessed the unintended consequences of relying on them exclusively. A focus on balanced nutrient management, which combines organic and inorganic fertilisers based on soil testing, is very crucial,” he advises.

From her modest quarter-acre beginning to her current five-acre operations, Khasoa proves that agriculture is not just about the past but about the future.

She sees this type of farming as a clear pathway for Kenya's dynamic agricultural landscape.

“Soil health is the foundation of any successful farming enterprise, and that is why we are keen on what we put into our soils. Partnering with industry experts is also key for knowledge in managing soil health and regenerative agriculture,” she said.

Limitless Fresh Farm continues to serve as a demonstration site for sustainable agricultural practices, welcoming visitors and new farmers eager to learn from its success.

Her expertise also influenced the adoption of agriculture in the Maasai community, where crop farming was not traditionally practised.

“When I came here, most women did not grow vegetables,” she explains. “Now, after training, they have kitchen gardens with sukuma wiki and spinach. It's about food on the table and dignity in self-reliance."

Khasoa’s story represents thousands of African farmers who are transforming their communities through collaborative interventions, such as Yara Knowledge Centres, Shujaaz programme, among others.

Despite her commitment, she faces several challenges that threaten her efforts.

“Sometimes animals invade and destroy my crops, and when it rains heavily, the winds also damage them. In the rainy season, I'm forced to spend more on antifungal treatments, while in extremely dry seasons, the cost of water rises sharply.”