29/09/2025
Community Proposal to Move Away from Tea Farming in Nyamira
Introduction
For many years, tea has been the main cash crop in Nyamira and parts of Kisii. Families depended on it for school fees, food, and daily needs. But times have changed. Today, tea no longer gives us good money. Farmers spend months in the shamba, only to be paid very little — sometimes less than the cost of production.
This proposal is meant to bring us together as a community to think of better ways to use our land and hard work so that we can earn more, live better, and secure the future for our children.
Why Tea is No Longer Working for Us
Poor payment: The money we get from tea is too little, often delayed, and cannot cover family needs.
High costs: Fertilizers, labor, and farm inputs are expensive compared to the small returns.
No control: Prices are set far away from us, and farmers have no say.
Youth not interested: Our young people see tea farming as a waste of energy and prefer to look for work elsewhere.
Land is underused: Our fertile land could produce more income if we grow different crops or keep livestock.
What We Can Do Instead
1. Plant Better Paying Crops
Avocados (especially Hass variety) which fetch high prices locally and abroad.
Bananas, passion fruits, vegetables, and macadamia which already do well in Kisii climate.
2. Keep Livestock
Dairy farming (milk has steady demand in schools, towns, and factories).
Poultry (eggs and meat bring quick money and improve family nutrition).
3. Agroforestry and Bamboo
Plant trees and bamboo which can be sold for timber, construction, and furniture.
This also protects our environment.
4. Small-Scale Processing and Value Addition
Banana flour, avocado oil, dairy products — processed goods fetch better prices.
Cooperatives and groups can work together to market these products.
How We Can Move Forward
Step by Step Transition: Slowly reduce tea farming while introducing new crops and livestock.
Training: Work with agricultural officers and experts to learn best practices.
Unity in Cooperatives: Farmers should come together to form or strengthen groups for better bargaining power.
Access to Markets: County government and development partners can help connect us to buyers in towns and abroad.
Support from Leaders: Encourage our local leaders to push policies that support crop diversification and farmer empowerment.
Benefits We Expect
More income in every household.
Reduced poverty and better lives for families.
Youth motivated to join farming as a business.
Stronger and self-reliant communities.
Better use of our land and resources.
Conclusion
Tea has served us in the past, but today it keeps us poor. Nyamira deserves better. By moving away from tea and embracing profitable crops, livestock, and agribusiness, we can create a brighter future. This proposal calls on every farmer, youth, leader, and partner to join hands and make this change a reality.
Kind regards;
Hon Abner.
