In Kenya, access to land, water, seed and fertiliser are just some of the obstacles faced by farmers in their efforts to grow food.

A recently concluded year-long pilot project in Isiolo County introduced 80 farmers to an innovative farm science that is supporting them to grow vegetables commercially for local markets.

A network of communal polytunnels were erected and hydroponics equipment installed –allowing growers to produce high value crops including tomatoes in a nutrient-rich water solution, rather than soil.

Funded by the World Food Programme, the initiative led to a dramatic increase in yields, and enabled participating farmers to earn substantially more from far smaller plots of land, according to project coordinator David Kimutai.

Faith Makena says that she harvested between 100-200kg on 10 occasions during the year, and her household income increased substantially as a result.

“I used to grow my crops in an open field, but there is no comparison between what I am producing now, and what I was able to produce before,” she said.