Starting a farming business in Kenya can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to securing capital. The government has rolled out various funding schemes, often aimed at supporting youth, but many of these programs rarely deliver the expected results.
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| Smart Farming Agriculture |
After countless applications, most youths end up feeling hopeless, with
no clear path forward. So, what can you do if you're determined to start a
farming business, but don't have the Capital to back it up? Here are a few
strategies to get you started:
1.
Farm What You Know: It's
tempting to dive into unfamiliar farming practices, but success lies in doing
what you're comfortable with. Choose crops or livestock that you’re familiar
with, or at least passionate about. Conduct thorough research and ensure you
have the right skills and knowledge. This reduces the need to hire external
help, saving you costs and increasing your chances of success. Sometimes, the
key to thriving in agribusiness is simply leveraging the skills and experience
you already have.
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2.
Start Small:
Starting small is a principle I always recommend. Think of it as planting the
apple at the base of the tree, not the one at the top. Use the limited
resources you have to start modestly and let your business grow organically.
With time, you'll gather experience and tailor solutions to the unique
challenges that arise. Small beginnings often lead to bigger rewards.
3.
Spread the Word:
Don’t keep your new agribusiness venture to yourself. Tell everyone—family,
friends, business contacts, and past colleagues. Utilize phone calls, emails,
and social media to let people know what you're doing. Word-of-mouth can be an
effective marketing tool, especially when your family and friends spread the
word to their networks. This can help connect you with customers who may need
the products you’re offering.
4.
Avoid Unnecessary Expenses:
When starting out, it’s easy to overspend, but you need to be strategic about
your spending. For example, if you’re planning to grow cabbage but can't afford
expensive hybrid seeds, consider starting with regular seeds and saving the
extra cash for other essentials like insecticides or fertilizers. Being frugal
in the early stages could mean the difference between success and failure.
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5.
Prepare to Hustle:
Hard work is essential. But when you’re launching an agribusiness with little
to no capital, you’ll have to be fully committed to making it succeed. Be
prepared to juggle all roles—from planting and crop care to marketing and
bookkeeping. Your time and energy will be your most valuable resources. Don’t
let limited funds hold you back from dedicating yourself fully to your farming
venture.
Finding a Market for Your Produce
In agribusiness, having a
market for your products is crucial. You need to move beyond the common
question, “Where is the market?” and actively seek out buyers. Here’s how to
find a market for your produce in Kenya:
1.
Do Market Research:
Before planting, research market demand. Are there enough buyers for the crop
you're planning to grow? If demand is low, consider adjusting your plans. Also,
consider logistics—transporting produce can be costly, especially if you don’t
own a vehicle. You might have to hire transport services, which could add to
your costs.
2.
Apply for Tenders:
Schools and various organizations regularly offer tenders for agricultural produce.
Contact local schools or institutions to inquire about any open tenders. These
can be a great way to secure contracts and create a steady market for your
products.
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3.
Transportation Matters:
Different regions in Kenya offer different prices for agricultural produce. For
example, maize prices vary between Eldoret, Nairobi, and Nakuru. If possible,
transport your produce to other towns or cities where demand is higher. You can
also take the opportunity to introduce your products to new markets by educating
consumers on their benefits. If you’re raising pigs or rabbits, for instance,
you could introduce pig or rabbit meat through innovative products like
samosas, and soon, demand may rise as more people get curious.
Key Skills Every Farmer Needs in Smart Farming
Agribusiness is a great
way to tackle unemployment and build wealth, but success requires more than
just a desire to farm. You’ll need to develop a set of essential skills to
succeed:
1.
Farm Operations Skills
Managing day-to-day farm activities requires general farm management skills,
from overseeing planting to harvesting. Effective time and resource management
are key.
2.
Crop and Animal Management
Whether you’re growing crops or raising animals, understanding their care is
essential. Learn how to properly cultivate and manage your farm’s resources for
maximum output.
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3.
Interpersonal Skills
Farmers often interact with a wide range of people—suppliers, buyers, and even
other farmers. Strong interpersonal skills will help you communicate
effectively and build valuable relationships within the agricultural supply
chain.
4.
Value Chain Knowledge
Understand the entire agricultural value chain—from production to packaging and
distribution. Knowing how to add value to your products will help you increase
profitability.
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| Climate Smart Agriculture |
5.
Time Management
Running a farm requires efficient time management, especially when coordinating
transport, storage, and delivery. Prioritize tasks to ensure your business
stays on track.
6.
Technical Skills
Depending on your farming venture, you’ll need technical knowledge related to
farm equipment, pest management, and handling chemicals. For instance, if
you’re involved in dairy farming, consider taking training in herd management.
7.
Marketing Skills
Even though agricultural products are in constant demand, you must still
actively market your produce. Without effective marketing strategies, you might
face post-harvest losses due to unsold surplus. Be proactive in finding buyers,
whether locally or in new markets.
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| Smart Farming in Storey Gardens |
8.
Record Keeping
Keep track of everything—from expenses to income—so you can monitor the
performance of your farm. Good record-keeping also helps manage finances and
track growth. Various software tools can assist with managing farm records and
finances, from financial management software to crop production and dairy
management programs.
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By developing these skills
and applying them thoughtfully, you can build the most profitable successful
agribusiness, even with limited capital. Remember, the key to success in
farming often lies in knowledge, hard work, and strategic planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why smart farming?
- Why is smart farming important?
- What are smart farming techniques?
- How does smart farming work?
- Does smart farming help in profitability?
- What are the advantages of smart farming?
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