CRAFT PROJECT
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Published 24. Aug 2022 by Kelvin_Mwandiki
Seeds of Success: Paul Kariuki's Journey to Thriving Amidst Climate Change Challenges in Agriculture

Paul's introduction to climate smart agriculture through a partnership between CRAFT and Starlight Co-operative Society further revolutionized his farming approach. He adopted certified seeds, boosting his production to seven tonnes per acre. However, the maximum price he could sell an 85 kg bag was €14 per bag making a profit of €507 per acre per season. At this point, he was doing a maximum of 2.5 acres.

He incorporated additional practices like soil testing, improved varieties, timely planting guided by climate information, crop-specific fertilizers, mulching, crop rotation, and surface planting. In addition, he emphasized crop protection through meticulous spraying programs.

To enhance his adaptability to weather fluctuations, Paul utilized weather apps to predict rainfall onset, allowing for timely planting. Employing surface planting techniques prevented rain-induced erosion, setting an example for his neighbours. He also rigorously tested crop-specific fertilizers to optimize production.

With these climate-smart practices and technologies, Paul saw his profits soar to €1,792 per acre per season, compelling him to expand his production to five acres, now harvesting a minimum of 10 tonnes per acre. Favourable market prices further augmented his earnings. Although the cost of production doubled due to increased input costs and the use of additional Climate smart products and services, the venture remains profitable.