Laikipia farmer turns rocky hillside into productive farm using smart farming techniques
A farmer in Laikipia County has transformed a steep hillside into a productive mixed farm by using water harvesting, soil conservation and sustainable farming techniques to overcome difficult growing conditions. On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Francis Tharangwi shared how he grows different crops on sloping land despite challenges caused by soil erosion, rainwater runoff and […]
In Laikipia County, a local farmer named Francis Tharangwi has successfully converted a steep hillside into a thriving mixed farm using innovative water harvesting, soil conservation, and sustainable farming techniques. On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Tharangwi shared his methods for cultivating various crops on the challenging slope, despite obstacles posed by soil erosion, rainwater runoff, and limited water supplies.
Tharangwi cultivates potatoes, pumpkins, maize, and beans on different sections of his land, employing a quarter-acre system to practice mixed farming. This approach allows him to diversify his crops rather than depend on a single crop. To combat soil erosion caused by heavy rain, he has implemented terracing, contour farming, and strips of Napier grass, which slow the movement of water across his land.
The farmer also draws on manure from his cattle to boost soil fertility and has invested in water harvesting systems to maintain crop production during periods of unreliable rainfall. Guttering and dam liners collect water, ensuring Tharangwi can continue farming even when rainfall is insufficient.
Climate adaptation specialist John King'ori emphasized the importance of water management for farmers operating on difficult terrain. "You have to start with water harvesting, water-efficient use systems like drip irrigation, and then implement dam liners and harvesting water," King'ori stated. He advised farmers to incorporate water conservation with sustainable soil management practices such as minimum tillage, mixed cropping, crop rotation, and strip farming.
Additionally, King'ori recommended incorporating agroforestry into farming practices, as growing trees alongside crops helps protect the soil and enables productive land use. Tharangwi's success demonstrates how water harvesting, crop diversification, and soil conservation can make farming feasible even on steep land, providing valuable lessons for other farmers facing similar challenges, particularly in regions with unpredictable rainfall and soil erosion threats.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
