From Waste to Wealth: How Composting Boosts Farming Yields and Sustainability in Kakamega

As the sun rises over Kakamega County, Rose Kaunda carefully inspects the compost heap she created three weeks ago. The earthy scent of decomposing matter fills the air as she turns the pile with practiced hands. This is where her transformation began—a shift from struggling to feed her family with low yields to becoming a model farmer in her village.

For years, Rose battled the challenges that many small-scale farmers in Kakamega face: skyrocketing fertilizer prices, infertile soils, and erratic weather patterns. She recalls how her maize yields and other crops dwindled, forcing her to rely on the market for food instead of growing enough to sustain her family.

“Initially, I was using synthetic fertilizers, but my farm produce was not enough, healthy, or good,” she says, spraying water on the compost heap she is creating. “Also, it would reach planting season, and I wouldn’t have enough money to buy the synthetic fertilizers. No matter how much I tried to invest in them, the soil seemed to reject everything.”

From that point, Rose decided to start composting with waste from her homestead, including leaves from trees and animal waste from chickens and rabbits. She explains that she collects all of this waste to use for planting crops.

“One of the agricultural organizations was training farmers here in Mumias West on the importance of using compost manure for planting and its benefits for the soil. I went back home, collected a lot of waste from my compound and the animals I keep, like rabbits and cows, and decided to mix it all together to use on my farm. I saw a change in yields,” Rose explains.

She notes that most farms in the area initially produced low yields due to the previous sugarcane plantations that relied heavily on synthetic fertilizers.

“Initially, we planted too much sugarcane since this side of Kakamega County was known for large-scale sugarcane farming, which used a lot of synthetic fertilizers. It spoiled the soil and made it too acidic. When you plant crops, they don’t do well. But since I started composting, my crops are thriving, with high yields, and my soil is very fertile. I conduct my own experiments on my farm, where in one part I plant using synthetic fertilizers and in other parts I use compost manure. The difference is vivid. As you can see between the two plots, the results are clear,” Rose explains, pointing to the two plots where she planted maize—one with compost manure and the other with synthetic fertilizer. 

In the plot where she used compost manure, the crops have thrived, while the maize in the other plot has not performed well.

Rose describes the steps for making compost manure, starting with assembling the necessary materials.

“First, find a location for making your compost manure; it should not be in direct sunlight, as excessive sun can deplete the nutrients. A cool, dry place is best. Then gather ash, water, dried leaves or waste, fresh leaves or residues, dried sticks, and a jembe,” Rose says, assembling the materials she will use.

The making of the compost manure 

“After assembling the materials, start by leveling the area where you want to make the manure. Next, place the sticks in first; they prevent termites from reaching the manure and spoiling it before it is ready. Since the termites will start by eating the sticks, by the time they finish, the manure will be ready. Then, sprinkle water after each step of the process. Following that, add dried leaves or waste, sprinkle water, then add fresh leaves or residues, and sprinkle water again. After that, cover the mixture with a layer of topsoil or any leftover manure from a previous batch, and sprinkle water on it. This forms the first layer of your compost manure.”

Rose sprinkles water on the dry leaves before adding fresh or green leaves to them

“You can add more layers by repeating the same process until you achieve the desired thickness. On the sides, spray ash to deter harmful insects that may eat the beneficial ones in the compost. Once you are finished, use a fresh, long stick to check the temperature of the manure. If the stick is dry, the manure is not ready; if it is cold and moist, then it is in the process of getting ready. When it feels warm, it is ready; cover it with branches or plastic sheeting to prevent rain and animals from spoiling it,” Rose narrated.

She explained that a farmer can turn the compost manure every three weeks or leave it for four to five months without turning it. In either case, the compost will be ready for use. Compost manure typically takes six months to be fully prepared.

Rose also mentioned that she has encountered several challenges in making compost manure.

“I have faced numerous challenges in compost manure farming. Sometimes, when the manure is ready for use, I find it has been stolen by unknown people, or it is spoiled by rats. Additionally, if you don’t sprinkle ash, harmful insects can ruin it, and rainwater can sometimes wash away the nutrients,” she added.

Rose noted that since she started using composting as a farming method, her expenses have decreased significantly. “My farm costs are very low since I make my own manure. I use indigenous seeds for planting, even for maize and other crops; I don’t buy anything,” she explained.

She recommended composting for its environmental benefits, stating that it helps keep our surroundings clean. In areas where she uses compost manure, the trees are thriving, and the environment is lush and green.

Ready to use compost manure 

As both a farmer and a businesswoman selling vegetables in the local market in Mumias, Rose remarked that many buyers prefer vegetables grown with compost manure over those cultivated with synthetic fertilizers.

“When buyers realize that you use compost manure to grow your vegetables, you will become their preferred supplier. Vegetables grown with compost often command higher prices compared to those grown with synthetic fertilizers. The crops lack acids that can cause disease and are of high quality. Furthermore, when it comes to preserving maize, the maize I have grown using compost lasts longer, with no spoilage and no pests. In contrast, the synthetic maize often comes with pests from the farm and spoils quickly in storage," she said.

For Joel Muranda, a farmer from Bukhaywa ward, the acidity associated with synthetic fertilizers prompted him to adopt composting on his farm.

"I am a farmer; I plant vegetables and bananas, and I exclusively use compost for planting and top-dressing my crops. I opted for compost manure because of the acidity that comes with synthetic fertilizers, which linger on the farm," Joel said.

Joel explains that, like Rose, he uses locally available materials to create his compost manure.

Joel is inspecting his banana.

"I use materials like leaves, leftovers from farm produce such as maize, and ash to add calcium and potassium to my manure, along with water and fresh leaves. It takes about four months for my manure to be ready for use," Joel added.

He mentioned that his main challenge is obtaining enough manure for his farm, as he needs to produce more to meet his requirements.

Joel noted that composting has significantly reduced his farming costs since he doesn’t need to purchase anything for farming.

"There is a big difference in farm costs. With composting, I don’t buy anything; I use indigenous seeds for planting my vegetables. I do not buy fertilizer; I make it myself. As a result, I tend to earn more profits, and many people prefer vegetables grown with compost manure because they are healthy and disease-free," Joel said.

Joel emphasized that composting has significant environmental benefits. "I collect waste that can decompose for my composting, which helps keep my environment clean. The manure enriches the soil, and abundant microorganisms make my land more fertile. I have plants that grow spontaneously on my farm due to its fertility, and compost manure also helps reduce soil erosion."

For Prisca Josiah, a member of the Canaan Umoja Group in Lurambi Constituency, composting has greatly contributed to combating food insecurity and poverty.

"I used to plant my crops with synthetic fertilizer, but they wouldn’t mature; they remained stagnant, leading to low yields and hunger. However, with compost manure, I now have plenty of food, and my group members also have enough food to sell and provide for our families," Prisca said.

Prisca Josiah in her vegetable farm, where she has used compost manure.

Prisca shared that she was first introduced to compost manure during a farm workshop organized by Biovision, which taught farmers how to make compost.

"Biovision taught farmers how to make compost and use it in farming and top dressing. I asked how I could do this at home without a cow, as most farmers there were using animal waste to create manure. I learned that I could use available materials, like the leaves I sweep from my compound every day. Instead of burning them, I can use them to make manure," Prisca narrated.

Prisca shared that she now makes her own compost manure, which she uses on her farm, resulting in healthier, more productive crops.

"My crops are doing well compared to when I was using synthetic fertilizers. The quality is high since I grow bananas and vegetables. Even the soil on my farm is rich in nutrients," she explained.

She mentioned that she was taught how to make a specific type of compost called bokashi, which takes just 21 days to be ready.

"For bokashi manure, you need sugar, ash, dried leaves, and fresh leaves. The process is similar to other composting methods: lay the ground, put down sticks, then add water, dried leaves, and fresh leaves, watering after every stage," she clarified.

She added that if a farmer has a large farm, they will need more materials to produce a sufficient amount of compost manure.

Bokashi manure adds nutrients and microorganisms to the soil, unlike chemical fertilizers, which only supply nutrients that can easily wash away.

For top dressing, Prisca uses vermiworm juice, which she obtains from the vermiworms in her compost.

"I get my top-dressing juice from the vermiworms in the compost, especially from fresh leaves that help break down organic matter. The worms digest the waste and excrete nutrient-rich castings, known as worm castings. I use both the juice and the manure to grow my kales, bananas, and even maize. The crops are not only fresh but also environmentally friendly," she explained.

Vermiworms that Prisca uses to produce vermijuice for top-dressing her crops.

She stated that with compost manure, she is assured of high yields and quality crops. When she sells her produce, she earns a good profit because buyers prefer crops grown with manure, which also fetch a higher price. "For example, when I sell my bananas, I charge between 1500 and 2000 KSH."

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), composting can increase crop yields by 20-25 percent while improving soil structure and biodiversity.

In Kenya, where over 75 percent of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, these benefits are transformative.

Expert Perspective

Pamela Otieno, an Agricultural Officer from Biovision Africa Trust in Kakamega County, emphasized that farmers can rely on compost manure without the need to buy additional inputs, as they can source everything from their farms and animal waste.

"We always encourage our farmers to use compost manure, including bokashi, which takes only 15 days to be ready, compared to the 42 days needed for traditional compost," Pamela explained.

Pamela Otieno, an Agricultural Officer from Biovision Africa Trust in Kakamega County

Pamela highlighted the crucial role compost plays in maintaining soil health. While synthetic fertilizers deplete the soil, composting adds valuable humus.

"Composting increases the humus and organic matter content in the soil, promoting the growth of microorganisms. It also improves soil circulation, allowing water to penetrate easily, which increases water retention and enhances soil texture," she elaborated.

She further encouraged farmers to apply compost to all crops to avoid the chemical residues left by synthetic fertilizers. "Chemical residues absorbed by crops remain in the produce. When farmers consume these crops, they ingest the chemicals. For instance, synthetic fertilizers used by banana farmers can remain in the soil for up to 20 years. Whether ripe or cooked, the bananas still carry these chemicals. That's why we advocate for organic manure for both planting and top-dressing."

"During our market research, we encountered a farmer selling very attractive and healthy vegetables. When we inquired about their cultivation methods, they revealed they sprayed diazinon chemicals twice a week, unaware that they were endangering the health of their buyers. This is why we are seeing increased cases of throat and stomach cancer due to the accumulation of these chemicals in our bodies," Pamela explained.

She noted that resources for farmers interested in composting are readily available, as they already have animal waste in their compounds, along with dry materials like leaves and maize cobs. "We train farmers on how to set up and maintain compost piles, encouraging them to use compost for all their crops."

Pamela mentioned that scaling up composting among small-scale farmers faces few challenges because the materials are easily accessible. Farmers often feel pleased to realize they possess resources they weren't utilizing effectively, and composting is simple to prepare.

"We teach different composting methods tailored to specific regions. In Kakamega, for example, we typically use the piling method due to the region's heavy rainfall. Pit composting can lead to waterlogging, which creates an unsuitable environment for organisms to thrive and hinders the decaying process. That's why we don't encourage pit composting here, as it's more suitable for drier regions."

She called upon the government to promote organic manure in the same way they promote synthetic fertilizers.

Eliud Walimbwa Wepukhulu, an Assistant Director of Agriculture in Kakamega County in charge of environment and land development, focuses on soil conservation and training farmers to prevent soil depletion.

Eliud explains that they train farmers on how to use composting to restore soil degraded by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, helping it reach its full production potential.

"Although composting adoption is not yet widespread, training is ongoing in every subcounty, where we support small-scale farmers practicing composting in collaboration with partners. There are efforts to ensure its adoption throughout the county," Eliud said.

He further explained that where composting is practiced, even on a small scale, it significantly impacts both the environment and crop yields.

"We have seen farmers increase their harvests from 15 bags per acre to 40-45 bags over five years due to the use of compost. This practice also restores soil microbiology and contributes to the healing process of the soil, leading to higher yields," he added.

Eliud emphasized that they conduct brief training sessions to help farmers overcome challenges related to composting. "Every ward in Kakamega County has an officer who occasionally demonstrates how to make compost manure and apply it. These demonstrations are public and conducted in partnership with others. We also provide individual training to farmers at their homes through our ward officers, who are agricultural experts."

He mentioned that the county government has initiated efforts to encourage farmers to adopt organic fertilizers, though progress is still slow.

"Currently, the county’s organic fertilizer program is not fully operational, but there are plans in place. An organic fertilizer facility is set to be constructed in the Mumias region with the help of partners. Once completed, it will mark a significant milestone and provide a solution for promoting composting and agroecology. For now, we focus on demonstrations and training; the county has not yet fully implemented or adopted composting, but discussions are ongoing to incorporate organic fertilizers," he explained.

On how composting aligns with regional or global sustainable goals, Eliud stated that using organic manure, as opposed to synthetic fertilizers, reduces nutrient loss and ensures that nutrients are retained and available to plants.

"Composting is more sustainable because it prevents nutrient loss and leaching, and it does not introduce harmful chemicals into the soil. It rebuilds soil organic matter and structure, enhancing its ability to retain water and nutrients. This practice restores the natural condition of the soil and improves overall soil health," he emphasized.

Rose, Joel, and Prisca urged other farmers to adopt composting. "Even though it is labor-intensive, it is worthwhile, as it ultimately leads to high yields, high-quality crops, and long-term sustainability for our farms."

They also called on the government to support small-scale farmers practicing composting through funding and training.