Nyandarua County, famed for its fertile soils and cool climate, has long been a hub for farming key crops like peas, carrots, cabbages, and onions.
These crops not only feed local communities but also supply markets across Kenya and even abroad.
Recently, farmers in areas such as Kipipiri have begun shifting from traditional crops to more profitable ventures like spring onions.
Among them is Esther Muthoni Njogu from Mwangaza village, who has embraced this high-yield variety with great success.
We found Esther tending to her spring onion farm, where she shared that the crop is relatively cheap to maintain and produces a good income.
“With just a small piece of land, I can harvest up to three or four times a year,” she said. “This has enabled me to educate my children and support my household comfortably.”
Muthoni’s venture has also created employment in her village, from land preparation to weeding and harvesting.
Local youths and women benefit from casual work opportunities that have become regular, thanks to the crop’s short three-month cycle.
On his part, Newton Ng’ang’a, another onion farmer from Turasha village in Kipipiri, echoes the benefits of short-cycle crops. “Three-month crops are good because they create jobs in the village,” he says.
“I encourage young people to ask their parents for even just a quarter or half an acre to grow onions, beetroot, or dhania instead of wasting time in shopping centres drinking adulterated alcohol.”
Ng’ang’a also addresses concerns about pesticide use. “We try our best to minimise the use of harmful chemicals,” he notes. “Once you apply the one for baridi (cold), it’s usually enough for the season. Plus, we prefer using organic manure.”
Beyond farming, Esther Njogu has a message for local leaders. She is urging Members of Parliament from Nyandarua County to advocate for policies that protect local farmers.
“They should table a motion to block tax-free food imports that flood our markets,” she says. “Our locally grown produce is safe, fresh, and supports livelihoods.”
In addition to onions, Esther also grows coriander, beetroot, and other vegetables, using her diversified farm to create both food security and stable income.
Their parting words are simple but powerful: “Farming pays. With the right crop and commitment, even the smallest plot can change your life.”
