In Summary
- Rachael’s journey to becoming a farmer
- Rachael creating employment through farming
Rachael Jumba’s transformation from traditional farming to hydroponic agriculture in Kibera exemplifies the powerful impact of agricultural biotechnology. Her journey showcases how modern farming techniques can enhance food security, improve nutritional quality, and boost economic opportunities in densely populated urban areas.
With support from the Human Needs Project, Rachael has turned her modest kitchen garden into a thriving enterprise, creating employment and providing healthier food options to her community. This success story highlights the broader trend of urban farming worldwide, where innovative methods are addressing food challenges and creating sustainable solutions.
Empowering Women in Kibera
In the heart of Kibera, Nairobi’s bustling and densely populated neighborhood, a story of remarkable change and resilience is emerging. Rachael Jumba who was born and raised in Bombolulu, has grown her small plot of land from a modest kitchen garden into a beacon of innovation in urban agriculture. Her journey from traditional farming to the adoption of agricultural biotechnology is transforming not only her life but also the lives of those around her.
“I stay in Bombolulu, where I was born and raised. I started kitchen farming to save money during tough economic times. Though space is scarce in Kibera, I used bags filled with soil to grow sukuma wiki (collard greens) to feed my family,” says Jumba.
A New Approach to Urban Farming
Rachael’s commitment to improving her circumstances caught the attention of the World Food Programme through the Human Needs Project, an NGO dedicated to empowering residents of Kibera. Recognizing her potential, they provided her with training in modern farming techniques. Embracing agricultural biotechnology, Rachael adopted hydroponic farming, a method that uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil to grow plants.
A Breakthrough in Urban Agriculture
Through hydroponic farming, Rachael has significantly increased her yields and enhanced the nutritional quality of her produce. “I was trained by the Human Needs Project to use hydroponic farming, which involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. Since starting modern urban farming in 2023, I’ve mainly planted capsicum. The modern methods have significantly improved my life. Now, I harvest enough to employ youths in my greenhouse every Thursday, yielding at least 150 kg each time,” she told Ghetto Radio.
Empowering Communities and Enhancing Food Security
Stella Mwania from the Human Needs Project confirms that hydroponic farming was introduced in Kibera in collaboration with the World Food Program to address food security and empower local residents, especially following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “As an organization, we decided to focus on urban farming to address food security and give hope to our people. Many had lost hope in their lives during the pandemic,” says Mwania.
Teresa Nasambu, who provides crucial support in ensuring the farmers are guided through her agronomist support, elaborates on the choice of hydroponic farming. “We found the soil in Kibera too acidic due to contamination from sewer lines, flying toilets, plastic bags, rampant garbage among others. By using hydroponic soil, a nutrient-free medium formed from volcanic rock, we can control the nutrients, water, and temperature, resulting in better harvests,” she explains.
Economic Impact and Market Opportunities
Rachael and other women in her cooperative are now able to sell their produce to larger buyers, greatly improving their financial situation. “We now have buyers who come to pick our produce in Kibera, purchasing capsicum at 150-200 shillings per kilogram. Each harvest, we yield at least 150 kg and we do harvesting every Thursday,” she stated.
A Global Shift Towards Urban Farming
According to a recent World Food Program (WFP) report, urban farming is rapidly expanding worldwide, driven by the need for sustainable food sources in densely populated areas. The report highlights that approximately 800 million people globally are engaged in urban agriculture, providing essential access to fresh produce and enhancing food security.
Urban farming offers numerous advantages, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, minimized water usage, and decreased food transportation distances, all contributing to a lower carbon footprint. While traditional farming methods remain prevalent in rural areas, urban farming is emerging as a vital solution in cities like Kibera, where innovative agricultural biotechnology is paving the way for a more sustainable future.
