At ADS Northrift, we are dedicated to transforming communities through sustainable agriculture. One of our initiatives is the development of a dairy farm, where we focus on finding cost-effective and high-quality sources of protein and fiber for our livestock. Sunflower, a crop primarily grown for oil in Kenya, has proven to be a game-changer not only for our farm but also for the farmers we collaborate with.
In partnership with KFCD, we launched a sunflower farming initiative in Kitale, providing farmers with a new avenue to earn income while supporting livestock nutrition. Traditionally, maize has been the dominant crop in Trans Nzoia, but since it is only harvested twice a year, large areas of land often remain unused for months. We identified an opportunity to introduce sunflowers as an alternative crop, allowing farmers to generate a steady income throughout the year, even during the off-seasons of maize.
To help farmers get started, we organized hands-on training sessions with a sunflower expert, equipping them with essential skills from planting and tending to harvesting. We also supplied high-quality sunflower seedlings to ensure they had the necessary resources for a successful yield. When harvest time arrives, we purchase their sunflowers at competitive rates ranging from Ksh 45 to Ksh 60 per kilogram, depending on market conditions. The extracted oil is processed for sale, while the sunflower cake are used to enrich livestock feed, enhancing the protein and fiber content for healthier, more productive dairy cows.
Currently, due to electricity challenges in Kitale, we process the sunflower oil in Eldoret. However, we are optimistic that we will soon establish a local processing facility. We believe this initiative will not only boost agricultural productivity but also create lasting change. supporting farmers, enhancing dairy farming, and strengthening our communities.
