For farmer Dorothy Selebwa, access to reasonably priced fertilizer is doing more than improving crops — it is helping families put food on the table and giving farmers a chance to support vulnerable members of their communities. She says continued government support, alongside improved roads, could unlock even greater opportunities for farmers across Western Kenya.
Highlights
- Affordable fertilizer is helping farmers improve production.
- Dorothy uses part of her harvest to support widows and orphans.
- Western Kenya’s climate allows farmers to grow a wide range of crops.
- Improved roads could make it easier for farmers to transport and sell produce.
- Farmers want continued support to boost food security and incomes.
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Affordable Fertilizer Making a Difference
Dorothy Selebwa, a farmer from Western Kenya, says government efforts to make fertilizer more affordable have brought relief to farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
According to Dorothy, the lower cost makes it possible for her to invest in enough farm inputs and cultivate a larger portion of her land. She says the improved yields have helped her provide food for her household while also allowing her to extend support to widows and orphans within her community.
For her, farming is therefore not just about personal income. A productive farm can also become a source of support for people facing difficult circumstances.
Western Kenya’s Agricultural Potential
Dorothy believes the region has enormous agricultural potential because of its favourable climate and fertile environment.
She says farmers can grow a variety of crops, including bananas, food crops and trees. She notes that almost seven acres of her own land are dedicated to tree farming, demonstrating the diversity of agricultural activities that can thrive in the area.
However, she says farmers need more than favourable weather to reach their full potential. Affordable farm inputs and reliable access to markets remain important factors in determining whether farmers can turn their production into sustainable incomes.
Better Roads Could Open More Opportunities
Dorothy also points to road infrastructure as another key issue affecting farmers.
She says the Shimanyiro Road, which had previously been in poor condition, is now undergoing improvement. Once the work is completed, she expects the route to make transportation easier and provide a more convenient connection towards Eshisiru.
Better roads, she argues, could encourage more vehicles to use the shortcut and make it easier for farmers and traders to exchange goods.
For farmers who rely on transporting crops to markets, improved roads could mean less difficulty moving produce and better access to buyers.
Farmers Looking for Long-Term Support
Dorothy believes continued investment in affordable fertilizer and infrastructure would have a direct impact on household food security.
With farmers able to access inputs at manageable prices and move their produce more easily, she says families could produce enough food for their own consumption while having surplus crops to sell.
She is optimistic that the combination of agricultural support and improved infrastructure can strengthen farming communities across Western Kenya.
For Dorothy, the goal is simple: give farmers the tools and access they need, and they can do more to feed their families, grow their businesses and support those around them.
When farmers have affordable inputs and roads that connect them to markets, a good harvest can become more than food it can become a pathway to a stronger community.
