Do you have a garden where you grow fruit and vegetables? Are you having a good harvest this year? For many of us, a backyard garden is a luxury. We get fresh vegetables and we enjoy being outside as we work in the garden. If our plants don’t do well we are disappointed, but we don’t starve.

A group of Kenyan farmers benefited from an agricultural training program called “Farming God’s Way” that stressed increased crop yields and soil enrichment.

In many areas where ARDF works, people depend on their gardens for both their food and their livelihoods! In Bungoma County, Kenya, farmers were using poor agricultural methods, leading to crop shortages. The soil has been depleted such that many farmers felt forced to start small trading businesses on the side. These highly competitive businesses do not provide a reliable income. Young people are especially challenged by a lack of economic opportunities, leaving them trapped in a cycle of poverty. Many migrate to cities, but with no skills they end up living in slums and are further marginalized.

ARDF recently funded a project that recognized that farmers needed to learn how to preserve and enrich the soil so they could increase crop yields and earn a modest income. The project established five demonstration farms and taught farmers techniques that reduce soil erosion and improve crop yields. The program resulted in higher incomes and greater food security for the farmers, who then taught their family members and neighbors these same methods. This multiplication effect means the benefits will continue on after the project’s stated completion date.

This project exceeded three project goals and achieved a fourth goal, earning an overall rating of “Achieved.” It had projected reaching 20,800 people but actually reached 23,880. You can read the entire assessment here and support other agricultural training activities here.

“I was one of the four model farmers … lucky to be selected for training in ‘Farming God’s Way.’ Because of the new skills I acquired, I was able to plant maize, beans and groundnuts on my plot using ‘Farming God’s Way’ methodology. The yields were amazing … for the first time, I harvested a lot for food. This methodology works and my testimony bears this witness. My neighbors are eager to learn about this new farming technology that continues to [transform] my family.” — Mark Barasa, a model farmer from Nalondo village where he practices “Farming God’s Way” system of farming

Support ARDF’s most recent agricultural training project here.

Help raise awareness:
by

The post Farming God’s Way appeared first on Anglican Relief and Development Fund.