Baraka group members learning on management (nutritional and pruning) of avocado tree during farm training and (right) group members harvesting CPP (cow pat pit) Bio-fertilizer used in enhancing soil health in the avocado fields for better crop production
In the vibrant hills of Ciakahii village, Maiiri, a group of determined smallholder farmers has transformed their livelihoods through the power of collective effort and organic farming. The Baraka Agribusiness Farmers Group, made up of 23 members — 12 women and 11 men, embodies how shared learning, sustainable practices, and community resilience can redefine fortunes in farming.
The group’s journey began in 2018, when they joined the Organic Agriculture Centre of Kenya (OACK) for training on organic farming practices. At that time, most members were conventional farmers relying heavily on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. The training opened their eyes to the potential of agroecology — farming that restores soil health, strengthens biodiversity, and builds food security.
With support from OACK, the group received fodder crops, dairy goats, and fruit seedlings including avocado, passion, and tree tomato varieties. They also learned how to establish kitchen gardens to boost household nutrition and strengthen food sovereignty, ensuring that families had a steady supply of healthy, chemical-free vegetables alongside their traditional tea and dairy farming enterprises.
The introduction of dairy goats became a turning point for many households. Families that once struggled to access quality milk now enjoy nutritious goat milk rich in protein and minerals. Over time, the group ensured that every member owned at least one dairy goat through an organized rotation system where offspring were shared among members. This initiative not only improved family nutrition but also created a sustainable source of income from sales of milk and sometimes goat stock.
Building on their organic production journey, and upon maturity of the avocado fruits donated by OACK, the group took bold steps to embark on collective marketing by targeting a common buyer. Through the joint marketing efforts, leaders successfully negotiate highest possible prices for their avocado fruits, not only for their members but also for over 150 neighboring farms. In the most recent season, the group aggregated 170 tons of avocados, selling them at an average price of Ksh. 140 per kilogram — about Ksh. 40 higher than what other farmers in the area received. This cooperative marketing model has built stronger economic resilience for farmers by significantly increasing earnings by 40%.
Beyond fruits and livestock, the group has diversified their farms further by integrating herbs and spices, recognizing their value in promoting good health and enhancing farm biodiversity. They have also become innovators in organic bio-input production — making compost, liquid manures, and pest repellents both at individual and group level. This self-reliance in farm inputs has reduced production costs and ensured that members maintain consistent food crop yields and tea by an average of 32%.
The Baraka agribusiness Farmers Group stands today as a living example of how rural farmers, when equipped with the right knowledge and support, can transform their communities. By embracing organic principles, promoting local value chains, and working together, they have built not only better farms but also stronger families and a more resilient local economy.
Their story is one of shared growth, environmental stewardship, and empowerment — proof that when farmers unite around sustainability, they cultivate far more than crops; they cultivate hope, health, and lasting prosperity.