How a 23-year-old farmer is milking cash from cassava, hopes to be a millionaire
By Sammy WaweruJanet Oginga, 23, is not concerned about how her peers perceive her choices to make a living.
While many youths might overlook agriculture, Janet sees her farm as her primary workplace, where she starts her day with the rising sun.
Based in Rongo, Migori County, Janet has chosen cassava farming, a resilient crop highly sought after for its drought tolerance.
Her farming journey began while she worked as a casual labourer on a farm in Migori County.
It was there that she discovered her passion for cassava farming.
“This year, 2024, marks my fifth year in cassava farming,” Janet proudly shares.
She believes in the resilience of cassava, especially in the face of climate change triggering droughts and floods.
While Migori County is known for crops like maize, sorghum, and rice, Janet is part of a growing movement encouraged by the County Government to include cassava and nuts in the agricultural landscape.
Drought-tolerant crops like cassava are becoming increasingly important in ensuring food security in the face of changing climate patterns.
Cultivating cassava on two acres of land, Janet sees her farming endeavours as a commercial venture.
Janet dreams of joining the ranks of millionaires through her agricultural pursuits.
“There are farmers who have turned into millionaires, and what I do is no different from their path. It’s just a matter of time; through hard work and determination, I will join the league,” she told Nairobi News.
With determination and focus, she believes it’s only a matter of time before she adds value to her cassava produce and achieves her financial goals.
Janet actively participates in agricultural trade fairs, both at the county and national levels, to showcase the potential of drought-tolerant crops like cassava.
She recognises the importance of addressing hunger and food security, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) regions, by promoting resilient crops that can withstand the challenges of climate change.
As Janet continues to embrace smart agriculture solutions, she remains optimistic about the future of her farming enterprise, knowing that her dedication will help bridge the gap in food security while paving the way for her own success.
However, the journey of nurturing her farming activities has not been easy, as she cites financial constraints hindering her ability to expand her agribusiness.