Isaac Njihia, a young farmer, has turned the challenge of receding waters in Lake Ol Bolosat, Nyandarua County, into an innovative opportunity. When the lake’s waters began to decline, Njihia saw potential in utilizing the silt that accumulated from nearby farms. Despite initial skepticism from his superiors, Njihia successfully convinced them of the feasibility of using the lake’s silt for organic fertilizer production.
Now, Njihia, based at Madalenah Farm, produces 50 bags of organic fertilizer daily, combining the lake’s silt with composting. The soil in the region is acidic and requires substantial organic matter, and this initiative has significantly improved yields, with crops like snow peas, strawberries, tomatoes, capsicum, beetroots, cabbages, and potatoes flourishing on the farm.
Njihia’s vision was further enhanced through training provided by the Micro Enterprise Support Trust (MESPT) in March 2023. The training equipped him with insights into soil fertility, soil rehabilitation methods, and soil conservation techniques. MESPT, established in 2002, is dedicated to supporting sustainable economic growth, smallholder farmers, and agri-MSMEs.
In addition to utilizing silt from Lake Ol Bolosat, Njihia’s farm also sources waste from markets and flower farms. The collected lake silt undergoes a process of sieving, processing, and granulation before being used as organic fertilizer. This initiative has resulted in a 20% increase in yields, and the farm conducts regular soil testing to monitor the impact.
Njihia, supported by MESPT, not only benefits from the increased productivity on his farm but also extends knowledge to the surrounding community, promoting organic farming practices. The farm sells a kilogram of organic waste for Sh50, with a 50kg bag priced at Sh2,500. Having already obtained approval from the Kenya Bureau of Standards for their organic fertilizers, Njihia’s venture exemplifies how innovative solutions can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable agriculture.