The implementation of best practices, such as using one to two bags of Yara fertilizer per acre, has boosted production from a challenging 15 bags per acre to an outstanding 25 bags.

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In the blistering heat of the Siaya sun, a subtle transformation is taking place—a movement that isn’t just turning unproductive lands into thriving agricultural plots but is also altering the financial future for a multitude of small-scale farmers.

For years, Siaya County has struggled with meager yields, unpredictable rainfall, and a struggling agricultural sector that pushed numerous families to the edge of hunger. However, transformation is just around the corner. Driven by cutting-edge cultivation techniques, wise selection of crops, and an unwavering determination, farmers are converting challenges into tales of triumph—one abundant harvest at a time.

The core of this movement centers around the Aboke Farmer’s Service Centre, an innovative project launched in 2024 by farmer David Onyunde, who refused to accept subsistence farming as his destiny. This center has become a beacon of hope, aiding more than 1,200 farmers through education on soil health, precise agricultural techniques, and sustainable practices adapted to changing climates. Through model farms and customized farming strategies, what once seemed like a gamble against natural forces has evolved into a scientific approach aimed at maximizing yields.

In Siaya, maize isn’t merely a basic food; it’s essential for ensuring food security. Previously, by mid-year, many households often ran out of stored maize and had to purchase a 2 kg can for about Ksh 180, straining their limited financial resources even further. However, things are improving now. Thanks to enhanced agricultural practices promoted by companies like Yara, maize production has increased significantly, keeping the price steady at Sh100 per 2 kg can—providing substantial relief to local families.

The implementation of best practices, such as using one to two bags of Yara fertilizer per acre, has boosted production from a meager 15 bags per acre to an impressive 25 bags. In line with the Siaya County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) for 2023-2027, maize cultivation accounts for more than 45 percent of household food consumption. Consequently, these improvements represent a substantial step toward achieving adequate nutrition.

Although maize still reigns supreme as the top crop, another plant has emerged as Siaya’s newest star in commercial farming: the sunflower. Previously overlooked, cultivating sunflowers is now turning into a lucrative venture, offering farmers an additional stream of income at a significantly reduced cost compared to traditional crops. This resilient plant thrives under semi-arid conditions, requires minimal watering, and matures within 90 to 120 days, making it well-suited for Siaya’s unpredictable climate.

Most crucially, though, this development addresses Kenya’s growing requirement for edible oils—an area where the country heavily depends on imports. In 2023, Kenya brought in more than 700,000 metric tons of vegetable oil, using up significant amounts of foreign currency. Currently, farmers in Siaya are capitalizing on this high demand by supplying local factories and accessing structured markets for their goods. As stated by Onyunde, besides cultivating maize, “farmers are branching out into crops such as soybeans, horticultural products, and watermelons, thereby improving food security.”

For Onyunde’s neighbors, switching to sunflower cultivation has proven enlightening. “This was the finest choice I’ve ever made,” remarks one farmer who shifted to planting sunflowers upon recognizing their profitability. “Compared to maize, sunflowers demand fewer inputs, and they offer more consistent returns. Now, I enjoy a steady source of income, and for the very first time, I’m independent financially.” The Siaya CIDP considers oilseed crops essential within their strategy for expanding agriculture, aiming to boost family earnings by up to 30% over half a decade.

In addition to providing training, the center is essential for large field days when farmers visit to observe and understand the most recent developments in agriculture.

The Aboke Farmer’s Service Center remains a focal point for agricultural advancement, providing top-tier supplies, expert advice, and showcases of climate-adaptive cultivation methods. By yielding an impressive 600 kilograms of collard greens each week from merely half an acre, this center exemplifies precise farming practices and optimal nutrient utilization.

This method is transforming possibilities for smallholder farmers, leading many to expand their range into crops like horticulture, watermelons, and soybeans, thereby providing them with a consistent yearly income rather than depending solely on seasonal maize yields.

“For the first time in years, I’m not worried about having sufficient maize to last my family throughout the year,” remarks Oyunde. “Now, after selling what’s left over, we still have plenty for our needs. Agriculture has transformed from mere subsistence into a profitable venture.” This sentiment echoes among numerous individuals across the region, as increased maize cultivation ensures both adequate nutrition and market stability. According to the CIDP, should present conditions persist, Siaya could reduce its dependence on aid provisions by around 30% within five years—an accomplishment far beyond anyone’s imagination just a decade back.”

Onyunde’s impact stretches well past his personal property. He oversees six model farms where local farmers get hands-on instruction and manages more than ten farms run independently by widows aiming to boost their economic standing. Additionally, he operates over fifteen digital platforms offering remote guidance for agricultural practices. Through these initiatives, Onyunde demonstrates that equipped with accurate data and accessible resources, farming can transcend mere sustenance—transforming into a vehicle for accumulating wealth. “This isn’t just about me thriving,” asserts Onyunde. “Knowledge, seeds, and techniques are shared among us. Cultivation has evolved from an isolated endeavor into a collective route toward prosperity.”

In addition to providing training, the center is essential during significant field events where farmers gather to observe and understand the most recent developments in agriculture. This includes learning about Yara’s offerings such as YaraSuna, which enhances soil moisture retention. During these demonstrations, attendees gain practical knowledge, helping them implement optimal techniques for enhanced yields.

Technology is fueling an agricultural transformation in Siaya. As maize and sunflower fields sway beneath the intensity of the Siaya sunlight, they represent more than just agrarian activity; they symbolize resilience, adaptability, and a region steering its own economic future. Once known as a place plagued with inadequate yields and food shortages, this area has embraced modern farming techniques, structured supply chains, and initiatives led by farmers themselves. Supported continuously by major stakeholders in agriculture and driven by a stronger dedication to smart farming practices, Siaya isn’t merely experiencing changes—it’s actively propelling them forward.

In a place where farming was once seen as a formidable challenge, a new era of hope has emerged—a time when intelligence, creativity, and resolve are transforming hardships into abundance, and skepticism into a promising future secured by the earth itself.