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2025 09 13

Case Study: Development of RK Farms, Kajiado

Background
RK Farms, a 32-acre property in Kajiado, began its agricultural journey in December 2023. The farm is well-equipped with a 3.5 million-litre water dam, fencing, and a small house for the farm manager. Previously, the land was used only for grazing goats and sheep, making it virgin land ideal for cultivation.

Initial Interventions and Cropping Plan

Medicinal Plant Trial

Action: Started with a 0.25-acre trial of medicinal plants under a contract buying agreement.
Purpose: To test the soil and farming practices and evaluate the feasibility of medicinal plant cultivation.

Expansion to Food Crops

Maize and Beans: Following the medicinal plant trial, 1 acre was dedicated to maize and beans.
Groundnuts: Another 1 acre was allocated for groundnut cultivation.
Mixed Vegetables: An additional 1 acre was planted with a variety of vegetables.
Crops Planted: Maize, two types of beans, Kunde green vegetables, spinach, capsicum, carrots, beetroots, cabbages, onions, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins.

Agricultural Practices

Soil Conditioning

Method: Soil conditioner was drenched in different ratios tailored to each crop’s specific needs.
Purpose: To enhance soil fertility and structure, ensuring optimal growing conditions.

Pest Management

Method: Biopesticides were applied as needed.
Purpose: To manage pests organically and minimize crop damage without harming the environment.

Results and Observations

Medicinal Plant Trial

Outcome: The medicinal plant trial was successful, providing confidence to expand cultivation.

Food Crops

Maize and Beans: Both crops showed promising growth and health.
Groundnuts and Vegetables: The groundnuts and mixed vegetables thrived, indicating good soil and growing conditions.
General Observation: The results across all planted crops were highly encouraging, demonstrating the effectiveness of the soil conditioner and biopesticides.

Future Plans

Scaling Up

Phased Expansion: The plan is to gradually increase the cultivated area to 28 acres.
Full Utilisation: Within 12 months, the goal is to farm on the entire 32-acre property.
Reinvestment Strategy: Profits from the initial phases will be reinvested into the farm to support further expansion.

Focus on Vegetables and Herbs

Plan: The ongoing project aims to focus on growing a variety of vegetables and herbs.
Objective: To diversify crops, increase yield, and maximize profitability.

Conclusion

The development of RK Farms in Kajiado showcases a strategic approach to transforming virgin land into a productive agricultural enterprise. Starting with small-scale trials and gradually expanding, the farm has achieved promising results using soil conditioning and biopesticides. The phased expansion plan and reinvestment strategy are set to scale up operations, aiming for full utilization of the 32-acre farm within a year. This case study highlights the potential for sustainable and profitable farming on previously unused land.

2025 09 13

Case Study: Revitalising Tomato Cultivation at World Serve

admin Projects

Background
In March 2024, a project was initiated on a 0.5-acre plot at World Serve in Kisaju, Kajiado County. The plot, which relied on drip irrigation, was initially struggling due to the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, particularly affecting tomato plants.

Intervention and Changes Implemented
The following steps were taken:

1. Immediate Revival of Existing Tomatoes

Action: Applied a soil conditioner and fruiting and flowering spray to the existing tomato plants.
Outcome: The tomatoes showed significant revival after just one application.

2. Manure Preparation

Action: Obtained dry manure and treated it with manure cure and soil conditioner (microbial). The treated manure was left to sit for two weeks to enhance its quality.
Purpose: This process aimed to enrich the manure with beneficial microbes and nutrients.

3. Bed Preparation

Action: Used the treated manure to prepare the planting beds.
Soil Condition: As the soil was relatively healthy, soil cleanser was not required.
Outcome: The beds were enriched with high-quality manure, providing a fertile foundation for planting.

4. Ongoing Soil Conditioning

Action: Applied soil conditioner weekly through drenching (1 litre makes 26 litres on the farm).
Purpose: Regular conditioning helped maintain soil health and nutrient availability.

5. Application of Fertilizers and Pesticides

Action: Every 10 days, applied fruiting and flowering products, biopesticides, and additional fruiting and flowering solutions.
Outcome: This ensured ongoing support for plant growth and protection against pests and diseases.

Observations and Results

Tomato Plants: Although the tomatoes are yet to fruit, the existing plants have shown significant improvement and health.
Other Greens: Spinach, Kunde, Sukuma Wiki, and Capsicum are growing very well, exhibiting robust health and quality.
Overall Quality: The quality of the greens has been exceptional, indicating the effectiveness of the interventions.

Conclusion

The targeted interventions at the World Serve plot in Kisaju, Kajiado County, demonstrate the potential of sustainable farming practices to revive and enhance crop growth. By transitioning from synthetic to organic inputs and implementing regular soil conditioning and appropriate fertilization, the plot has shown remarkable improvements. This case study serves as an example of how strategic agricultural practices can transform struggling plots into productive and healthy farms.

2025 09 13

Case Study: Revitalising Oltaruto Growers Limited

admin Projects

Background
Oltaruto Growers Limited is a 10-acre farm located in Kisaju, Kajiado County. The farm had invested heavily in infrastructure, including greenhouses, drip lines, a water tower, manpower, and a solar pump. Despite these investments, the farm faced numerous challenges leading to its closure. The primary issues were the usage of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, incorrect guidance, improper agricultural practices, low-quality manure, and the adverse effects of climate change.

Intervention and Changes Implemented
In April 2024, a new strategy was implemented to revive the farm using sustainable and effective agricultural practices.
The following steps were taken:

1. Manure Production and Nutrient Enrichment

Action: On-farm manure production was initiated to ensure high nutrient content.
Training: Farm personnel were trained hands-on to produce nutrient-rich manure.
Products Used: Food For Soil Manure Cure and Soil Conditioner (microbial).

2. Establishment of a Nursery

Action: A simple nursery was set up to produce seedlings in-house.
Products Used: Food For Soil Seed Inoculant to enhance seedling vigour and health.

3. Soil Preparation and Enrichment

Action: Soil beds were prepared, pathogens were cleansed using soil cleansers, and compost was added to enrich the soil.
Outcome: The soil became more fertile and conducive for plant growth.

4. Planting and Growth Monitoring

Action: After soil preparation, planting commenced.
Observation: The plants exhibited rapid growth and robust health. Disease control was significantly improved.

5. Disease and Pest Management

Action: Integrated pest and disease management practices were adopted.
Products Used: Food For Soil Biopesticide and Food For Soil 3-in-1 Anti-Viral, Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal solution.
Additional Support: Fruiting and flowering enhancers were used.
Results: The plants showed remarkable resistance to diseases and pests, leading to healthy growth.

6. Crop Selection and Cultivation

Crops Grown: Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, Onions, Tomatoes, Kunde, and Spinach.
Reason: These crops were selected for their market demand and suitability to the improved farming conditions.

Outcomes and Benefits

Improved Yields: The overall yields of the farm improved significantly.
Healthier Plants: The plants were less prone to attacks by diseases and pests.
Sustainability: The use of organic and sustainable practices reduced reliance on chemical inputs.
Economic Viability: The farm’s productivity and profitability were enhanced due to better crop quality and yields.

Conclusion

The transformation of Oltaruto Growers Limited highlights the impact of sustainable farming practices and proper agricultural guidance. By focusing on nutrient-rich manure, pathogen-free soil, robust seedlings, and integrated pest management, the farm successfully overcame its previous challenges. This case study serves as an example of how targeted interventions and the use of effective products can revive and sustain agricultural ventures.