INCREASED PRODUCTION              
Challenge
Farming forms the backbone of the Kenya’s national economy. In the greater Machakos district horticultural farming forms a significant sub sector but the farmers have for a long time not practiced horticultural activities that can contribute to good returns for sustainable livelihoods.
Assessment by PEN and the Ministry of Agriculture showed that the farmers have little or no knowledge on different horticultural products that thrive well in the area, modern techniques of horticultural production such as farming through irrigation and use of modified seed varieties, poor establishment and management techniques, lack of knowledge on availability and access of extension services, poor post harvest treatment (value addition) and poor marketing procedures.
The above factors have contributed to poor quality and quantity for commercial products hence low income returns to the farmers and a continued status of high poverty levels in the region.

Community Action
The suitable soils and climate for some parts of greater Machakos are ideal for horticultural farming and in areas where it has been practised by individual farmers and groups it has proven to yield high returns to the farmers. It is in this respect that PEN has given support to promote and improve horticultural production in this region.  This has been through organizing training to selected community representatives from PEN CBO partners to intensify their knowledge in horticultural production.
PEN has worked with other stakeholders including Ministry of Agriculture, Horticultural Crops Development Authority and Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange.
The farmers have now been equipped with knowledge on quality and quantity horticultural production for commercial purposes and formation of marketing structures to tap local and external markets.

Grace Muia: Kalama location
“I planted water melon during an off season through irrigation after attending a workshop supported by PEN and facilitated by the HCDA where we learnt on market survey and marketing of horticultural products. I managed to get over KES 25,000 from a half acre plot. The money helped me buy food during the long drought and farm inputs in preparation of the rain season.
A field day was organized by the local leaders whereby I educated the community members on the technique which has proved to be an income generating project.”