In these areas soils may be less fertile and the rainfall less certain, making farming risky. On these small farms most of what they produce is to meet their family's needs. Some crops are grown for sale to raise money to buy consumer items. This allows the family to harvest a variety of foods for a balanced diet. In order to increase production, the government sponsors agricultural experiments and encourages farmers to try different production methods.
Some farmers also keep a few animals such as cattle and goats, and many raise poultry.
Tea and coffee, raised for cash and export, are two of Kenya's major sources of income. The herders raise such animals as cattle, camels, sheep, and goats. These produce milk and meat for the family and some to be sold for cash. Herding families use the cash to buy grains to supplement the meat and milk in their diet. As the human population grows so have the number of animals, and there is concern that they may be overgrazing the land.