Recently, many Kenyans have shared their experiences on social media about their attempts to start farming after being encouraged by friends and brokers.
Most of these netizens reported that they were enticed to try farming by promises of high returns from growing specific crops or raising certain types of animals.
However, to their disappointment, many did not see the expected returns, leading them to abandon their farming pursuits.
Many of these individuals attribute their struggles primarily to a lack of market availability for their products.
Kenyans attribute the failure of farming businesses to inadequate market
This situation has compelled some of them to consume their own products due to the unavailability of a market, resulting in significant losses.
A social media user named The Insight shared his experience with farming, stating, “Farming is not a walk in the park. We planted cabbage and pumpkins, but we couldn’t find a market to sell them.
We ended up eating those vegetables ourselves, and even now, when I see them, It reminds me of the losses I incurred.”
He and his family tried their best to sell their produce during the harvest, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.
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Another X user by the name Wiseman said that he had invested more than Ksh 500, 000 in wheat framing but the end result was disastrous.
“I lost over Ksh 600,000 and 12 acres of land in wheat farming this August. By the time I was ready to harvest, I had leased the land to a Maasai, who has since informed me that he hasn’t rented it to me and does not have my belongings.
I didn’t have a lease agreement. Authorities didn’t offer any help. I already own 2 acres that I bought from him for Ksh 400,000 each. Please pray for me,” said Wiseman.
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Many Kenyans report losses incurred after their business failed
Another user, James David, shared his experience venturing into avocado farming. He mentioned, “I farmed avocados. After harvesting, I took my avocados to the market. It was the longest day I’ve ever had. Unfortunately, the avocados ripened in the pickup truck overnight without being sold.”
The city council officers (kanjo) informed me that I had to pay a disposal fee because they had over-ripened. In the end, I ran away and left the problem for the pickup owner to deal with.”
Another user, Wuod Gladys, recounted his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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He said that he had raised 200 improved kienyeji chicken chicks, but two months later, he ran out of money to buy their food.
He added that the chicks started dying, and every day he would find over 30 dead.
As a result, he faced a loss of 50,000 and ultimately decided to give up on farming.
“Farming is tough,” Wuod Lucy narrated.
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