In Kenya, access to land, water, seed and fertiliser are just some of the obstacles faced by farmers in their efforts to grow food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A network of communal polytunnels were erected and hydroponics equipment installed \u2013allowing growers to produce high value crops including tomatoes in a nutrient-rich water solution, rather than soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faith Makena says that she harvested between 100-200kg on 10 occasions during the year, and her household income increased substantially as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n