Troubles of the Macadamia Value Chain

Troubles of the Macadamia Value Chain

After I recently completed writing a business client for a client on the potential of macadamia farming in Kenya, I was blown away by how we perpetually ignore the extremely simple with devastating consequences. Below, I share a few of these ‘insights’: Beating off...
Realizing the Dream of Growing Kenya’s Economy

Realizing the Dream of Growing Kenya’s Economy

If we just worked a bit harder, a bit more diligently we can start realizing our dream of growing the economy by double digits. First here is where we are now: Kenya’s GDP was $40.70 billion (2012, World Bank), or Shs 3,540,900,000,000. That is not as much money as it...
How to Make Your Own Urea Lick for Your Cows

How to Make Your Own Urea Lick for Your Cows

This formula was shared at a farmer’s livestock improvement seminar and one lady farmer reported a 100% milk production rise in two weeks: Ingredients (10 kg) Molasses 3,8 kg Urea 1.2 kg Minerals (DCP) 0.2 kg Industrial salt 0.3 Kg Maize bran 3.2 kg Cement 10 kg...
Cyclical Drought: And What We Can Do

Cyclical Drought: And What We Can Do

It happens every few years. Here are some headlines I found by just googling “drought kenya”: 2016: 1.3m Kenyans affected by drought – government 2015:Kenya ending drought emergencies policy review: scenarios for building resilience in ASALs 2012: Drought in Kenya |...
Why The Entire Value Chain Approach?

Why The Entire Value Chain Approach?

Why is an entire value chain focus is important as the way out of poverty for rural poor? A predictable or guaranteed net return on investment is the key to wealth creation in any enterprise. In small-scale rural production however, agricultural producers can almost...