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By Rodgers Omondi
Busia County, Kenya: Millet farming in Busia County has seen a significant increase in production, benefiting farmers through the implementation of the Accelerated Variety Improvement and Seed System in Africa (AVISA) project in the finger millet value chain.
The Centre for Behavior Change and Communication (CBCC) has been working with women in the county to boost millet production for both household consumption and sale. Through training programs, farmers have learned modern millet farming techniques and the use of improved seed varieties.
Success Stories from Farmers
Teresa Papai from Amukura East Ward, who has been growing millet for 20 years, says her productivity improved after adopting new farming methods.
“Before, I planted millet once a year with poor yields. After training, I switched to an improved seed variety and now plant twice a year. The new seeds mature faster and produce higher yields than traditional ones. This has greatly increased my production.”
She also highlights the efficiency of modern planting techniques:
“Planting in rows makes weeding, fertilizing, and harvesting easier. Many farmers are now returning to millet farming because of these benefits.”
Teresa has expanded her millet farm from 2 to 5 acres, enabling her to pay school fees for her children and even complete building her house. She notes that millet’s nutritional benefits—especially for diabetics—have boosted demand.
Additionally, farmers collaborate with KALRO to ensure seed availability:
“After harvesting, we sell our improved seeds to KALRO, which packages and distributes them through Youth and Women Quality Centers for other farmers.”
Increased Production and Market Challenges
Hilda Mutunga from Teso South also attests to the benefits of improved seeds:
“I received clean seeds, and after harvesting, I sold them to other farmers. My living standards have improved, and many farmers who once believed millet could only be grown once a year are now planting twice.”
She has expanded her farm from 1 to 3 acres, thanks to the drought-resistant varieties that perform well in all weather conditions. However, she points out key challenges:
“We lack a stable market—buyers often purchase in small quantities. We also need better storage facilities. If these issues are addressed, more farmers would increase production.”
Easier Farming with Modern Methods
Everline Ouma from Teso Central Sub-County says the shift from broadcast planting to row planting has reduced labor costs and made farming more efficient.
“Men previously avoided working in millet farms due to the broadcast method, but now they help because row planting is easier to manage.”
She notes that training and improved seeds have transformed her yields:
*“I used to farm half an acre, but now I cultivate 2 acres, harvesting up to 15 bags (90kg each). Machines for post-harvest processing have also made millet farming more appealing.”*
However, market exploitation remains an issue: “Some buyers take advantage of increased production by offering very low prices. A stable market would encourage even higher production.”
CBCC’s Role in Supporting Farmers
The CBCC, in partnership with CIMMYT-CGIAR’s Dryland Crops Program and Busia County, is driving this transformation.
Emmanuel Eshitemi from CBCC explains:
“We work with KALRO and KEPHIS to provide improved seeds and train farmers. The new varieties mature in just three months and are drought-resistant, making them ideal for unpredictable weather.”
He emphasizes that seeds should only be recycled twice before replacing them with new stock. CBCC aims to reach all farmers with training and access to high-yield varieties like U-15/Maridadi, Kakamega Wimbi 2, and Kakamega Wimbi 3, available at Youth and Women Quality Centers.
With improved seeds, better farming techniques, and continued training, millet farming in Busia County is on an upward trajectory. However, addressing market access and storage challenges will be crucial to sustaining this growth and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
