(Murang’a) – Sorghum farmers in Murang’a County are applauding a recent partnership between the county government and East African Breweries Limited (EABL) aimed at increasing their returns and reducing the role of brokers. The partnership promises to improve incomes for sorghum farmers by raising purchase prices and providing technical and material support to enhance crop quality.
A group of women farmers from the Green Life women’s group in Gikindu expressed excitement about the future of their sorghum farming. Gathered in their fields with sorghum seeds in one hand and traditional planting sticks in the other, they chanted songs celebrating the new planting season. Christine Wambui, chairperson of the Green Life group, explained why her group turned to sorghum farming and how they now hope to benefit from this new initiative.
Wambui stated that sorghum is an ideal crop for the group, as it requires minimal maintenance and low startup costs, making it accessible for farmers of all ages. “We used to grow sorghum individually, but the returns were small because our bargaining power was limited,” she explained. “Now, with the county’s support, we have pooled resources to grow it collectively and increase our earnings.”
The new partnership with EABL offers farmers a significantly higher price for their sorghum. While brokers previously paid Sh22 per kilogram, EABL has agreed to buy the crop at Sh48 per kilogram. This nearly doubles the farmers’ income and, according to Wambui, eliminates the dependence on middlemen who often undercut the value of the crop.
Other local farmers are also optimistic. Mary Wambui, another member of the Green Life group, expects the partnership to improve both their economic and social well-being. “We anticipate a bountiful harvest in three months,” she noted, “and with the technical support provided, including high-quality seeds from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), we expect better yields with lower management costs.”
Murang’a farmers involved in the program also use organic farming practices to meet the standards required for EABL’s beverage production. By adhering to these organic methods, the farmers can ensure that their sorghum meets EABL’s quality standards, which in turn strengthens their relationship with the buyer.
Despite the many benefits of this partnership, some challenges remain. Local farmers report that monkeys frequently invade their farms, damaging the crops. To deter the animals, farmers have begun burning pepper and cow dung, which helps keep them away temporarily. However, they have called on the county government to address this issue with a more permanent solution to protect their investments.
EABL Director Joel Kimani confirmed that the company collaborates with county governments wherever sorghum is grown to maintain high crop standards. “We work with 45,000 farmers nationwide, supplying us with 60,000 tonnes of sorghum each year,” Kimani said. To help farmers optimize yields, EABL also provides extension services, including farm inputs and other forms of support to maximize sorghum production per acre.
| Key Partnership Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Farmers Supported Nationwide by EABL | 45,000 farmers |
| Total Sorghum Supplied to EABL per Year | 60,000 tonnes |
| Price per Kilogram Paid by EABL | Sh48 |
| Price per Kilogram Paid by Brokers | Sh22 |
| Technical Support | High-quality seeds, farm inputs, extension services |