Smallholder farming: How city residents are capitalizing on the trade

City residents have devised ways of earning a living through smallholder farming.

As Kenyans grapple with the skyrocketing cost of living, the farms seek to address the shortage of fresh produce.

"The rains have really been helpful. The rains have recently help deliver high yields from our smallholder farms," Ben Ochieng said.

According to Ochieng, who operates a roadside farm neighboring the Inland Container Depots, the ready market for organic food pushed him into the trade.

"The growing demand saw me weigh options. A friend introduced me to the practice and as they say, the rest is history," he added.

Seeking to cushion residents from the economic shocks, the smallholder growers noted that the rates at the organic food markets are pocket friendly.

"We also have our own market where we sell produce directly to consumers, cutting off the traditional value chain," Mary Wangui said.

Looking back at lessons learnt during the dry season which stretched to agricultural-rich zones, the farmers adopted drip irrigation