CHANGE TO ORGANIC FARMING

Many farmers in the rural area would like to convert from conventional to organic productionbut lack the necessary skills to apply. "Organic production in many people believe it is simply the non use of chemicals. But organic production goes beyond zero use of artificial fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. It is a way of life a style of producing healthy products by undertaking valueing and respecting the integrity of the people and the environment in which we live. For small-scale farmers, conversion to certified organic production is a challenge. They have to fulfil a long list of requirements including some which are quate different from traditional farming practices. Knowing the requirements as well as an undertaking of the allowed substances for pest and disease controls is imperative. Some companies which export organic products contract farmers groups for organic production and they usually offer training. Because of high cost of certification, which has to be repeated every year, small-scale farmers have to be organised in contactable producer groups. In the group, the certificate fee is divided between the members.

Location: KHUNGUNGU, BUSIA, KENYA