Organic-farmer-March-Press-0-1Download The post TOF Magazine Issue 219 February – March 2024 Edition appeared first on The Organic Farmer ..read more

Using this simple technique, you can turn your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost that will have your garden looking beautiful, green, and healthy. By Susan Wanjiru Vermicomposting (worm-composting), is the process of using worms to turn organic waste, such as kitchen waste, into nutrient-rich compost. The worms eat the waste and excrete nutrient-rich excrement known as worm castings – a rich, dark, crumbly form of compost loaded with nutrients. This method of producing compost is encouraged because it is a sustainable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way to turn household and agr ..read more

All about housing, feeding and disease management in chicks. By Dr Ann M. Wachira Choosing proper chick housing Providing suitable housing for your chicks is a crucial step in ensuring their well-being. A well-designed chick shelter safeguards them from various threats, including adverse weather conditions such as rain, sun, cold winds, and chilly night-time temperatures. Moreover, it provides a comfortable environment conducive to their growth. The choice of chicken housing depends on factors like available materials, local weather patterns, and traditional practices. When making your selecti ..read more

By Faith Maiyo Introduction Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is from Stratiomyidae family in the Diptera order. It is one of the most beneficial and most widespread form of insect farming in the world. The larvae are an excellent source of food for many animals like poultry, bait for fish and pigs. At different stages of their life cycle, especially at larvae stage, the following activities are observed; they consume large quantities of food wastes, agricultural waste products are decomposed and eventually converted into manure which restores soil fertility besides the maintenance of a he ..read more

Dear Reader, Here comes the last edition of this year. As we close the year, TOF Magazine appreciates your collaboration in reading and sharing information featured in our publications. We look forward to continued support in improving livelihoods through learning new ideas and technologies. The rains continue to pour uncertainly and farmers across the country are optimistic that the crops in the farm will not be adversely affected. Ensure to employ the water harvesting technologies featured in previous editions to conserve water for use during dry seasons. We also sample a few new technologie ..read more

By Dr Ann M. Wachira Selecting healthy day-old chicks is crucial for a thriving poultry farm. Begin by locating a reputable hatchery or supplier recognized for their high-quality chicks. Seek advice from local livestock professionals or poultry farmer associations. When inspecting the chicks, ensure they have bright eyes, clean beaks, and clean, fluffy feathers. Avoid chicks with swollen eyes or dirty beaks, as well as those with crooked limbs and infected or unhealed navels. They should all be approximately the same size and actively moving about, pecking at objects, and chirping. When embark ..read more

Sylvia Kuria Growing up in Western Kenya, our daily meal was ugali, African green vegetables and fermented milk. For a long time as a child, I used to associate this meal with poverty and swore to do better when I have my own family. I imagined that foods such as rice, cabbage, margarine spread on bread was the ideal kind of food. Little did I know, how privileged I was to have such nutritious food locally available from the farm.  I am now a full-grown adult and I have learnt my lessons all too well that our local indigenous foods are extremely nutritious, adaptable to our environment an ..read more

Dear Reader, THIS MONTH’S EDITION comes packed with insightful articles on a variety of topics ranging from tips to a successful poultry venture; the dos and don’ts of agroforestry establishment and management; the use of ash in making biopesticides among many others. Do you grow the indigenous vegetables in your farm but wonder whether they have any dietary benefits? This edition elaborates the nutrition value of some common African leafy vegetables, that are gradually gaining popularity in most families and restaurants. Enjoy the read! Organic-Farmer-October_compressedDownload The post TOF M ..read more

Dear reader, Bee keeping is gradually becoming a preferred agroecological enterprise among many farmers in Kenya and beyond. It is an enterprise with numerous benefits; unfortunately only a few beekeepers enjoy the full range of these benefits due to lack of skill, knowledge, and capacity to process the various products of the enterprise and access appropriate markets. This edition features practical information on why one should consider beekeeping as an income generating enterprise to not only produce honey but other commercial products as well. Enjoy the read! Special-Edition-Press-File-3Do ..read more

Dear reader, This being the harvesting season, this month’s edition of TOF Magazine features informational articles on techniques to use in storing your harvest to manage post-harvest losses. Did you know that you can reduce the risk of aflatoxin in your farm produce by applying aflasafe in the early stages of the crop development? Find out more about this technology that is affordable and easily accessible to farmers across the country in this edition’s main story The edition  features a young innovator from Makueni County who has recently launched a hybrid dryer that is saving farmers ..read more