kenthefarmer
Lister
So, you’ve decided you want to be a farmer? Congratulations! You have just signed up for a lifetime membership to WanaHustle Sacco, where profits come after patience, smart work, dedication and investing wisely. But before you rush to buy or lease land and declare yourself a farming tycoon, here’s what you need to do:
Research like your life depends on It. (Because it does!)
Before you even think about land, visit different farmers. You might be dreaming of bulb onions, yet your soil is only fit for stubborn weeds. Walk around, ask questions, and observe. If a farmer tells you "Mimi nimekuwa kwa hii game for years" (I’ve been in this game for years), don’t assume you’ll be a millionaire in one season. Farming humbles even the proudest .
Land matters - Don't be a victim like me!
If you’re leasing land, get a solid written agreement that includes all the details ,rent period, water access, boundaries, and who is responsible for what. Otherwise, kitakuramba kama mimi! You’ll wake up one day and find that the land you’ve prepared has been plowed by someone else, and the owner doesn't want to see/hear you .
Ask the drunkest villager about water. sources
Before leasing or buying land, don’t just take the landowner’s word about available water. Go to the local researchers (a.k.a. the drunkest villager) and ask, "Hii maji huwa inakuanga aje mwaka mzima?" They have seen all the seasons and will tell you if it's seasonal or permanent.
Target market - Location is everything!
Get a farm, whether leased or bought, where you can easily transport your produce to the market or access it easily for scouting. Otherwise, your farm helpers will show you dust with CAPITAL LETTERS! Imagine having a farm so deep in the village that by the time you arrive, the workers have already harvested, sold, and held a farewell party for your crops. Make sure you can check on your farm regularly unless you want to be getting farm updates through rumors.
Start small-Your wallet will thank you
Farming is like dating. Don’t propose on the first date. Start with what you can afford to lose. Your first season is school fees for experience ,expect to learn, not just earn.
Find a nentor, Not a committee
Asking too many people for advice will confuse you more than a village chief at a political rally. Find one experienced farmer or agronomist you trust. Stick to their guidance and avoid the "everyone is an expert" crowd, or you’ll spend more money than necessary.
Water is life, Plan for irrigation
If you rely on rain, be ready to be baptized in losses. Have a solid irrigation plan, whether it’s drip, sprinklers, rain hose or a
method. Farming without irrigation is like proposing with "Sina kakitu saii but trust the process."
Expect challenges, Keep your sense of humor
Farming will test you. Prices will drop, pests will party on your crops, and sometimes even your farm workers will act like they own your land. But that’s part of the journey. Learn Laugh, adjust, and keep going.
Borehole on leased land? THINK, RETHINK, THINK AGAIN!
Before you even dream of drilling a borehole on a leased farm, make sure that’s the only option left. Otherwise, you might be left watching your hard-earned water being enjoyed by the next tenant after your lease expires. Hii dunia haina huruma!
Limeni fiti au sio?
~village investor
Research like your life depends on It. (Because it does!)
Before you even think about land, visit different farmers. You might be dreaming of bulb onions, yet your soil is only fit for stubborn weeds. Walk around, ask questions, and observe. If a farmer tells you "Mimi nimekuwa kwa hii game for years" (I’ve been in this game for years), don’t assume you’ll be a millionaire in one season. Farming humbles even the proudest .
Land matters - Don't be a victim like me!
If you’re leasing land, get a solid written agreement that includes all the details ,rent period, water access, boundaries, and who is responsible for what. Otherwise, kitakuramba kama mimi! You’ll wake up one day and find that the land you’ve prepared has been plowed by someone else, and the owner doesn't want to see/hear you .
Ask the drunkest villager about water. sources
Before leasing or buying land, don’t just take the landowner’s word about available water. Go to the local researchers (a.k.a. the drunkest villager) and ask, "Hii maji huwa inakuanga aje mwaka mzima?" They have seen all the seasons and will tell you if it's seasonal or permanent.
Target market - Location is everything!
Get a farm, whether leased or bought, where you can easily transport your produce to the market or access it easily for scouting. Otherwise, your farm helpers will show you dust with CAPITAL LETTERS! Imagine having a farm so deep in the village that by the time you arrive, the workers have already harvested, sold, and held a farewell party for your crops. Make sure you can check on your farm regularly unless you want to be getting farm updates through rumors.
Start small-Your wallet will thank you
Farming is like dating. Don’t propose on the first date. Start with what you can afford to lose. Your first season is school fees for experience ,expect to learn, not just earn.
Find a nentor, Not a committee
Asking too many people for advice will confuse you more than a village chief at a political rally. Find one experienced farmer or agronomist you trust. Stick to their guidance and avoid the "everyone is an expert" crowd, or you’ll spend more money than necessary.
Water is life, Plan for irrigation
If you rely on rain, be ready to be baptized in losses. Have a solid irrigation plan, whether it’s drip, sprinklers, rain hose or a
method. Farming without irrigation is like proposing with "Sina kakitu saii but trust the process."Expect challenges, Keep your sense of humor
Farming will test you. Prices will drop, pests will party on your crops, and sometimes even your farm workers will act like they own your land. But that’s part of the journey. Learn Laugh, adjust, and keep going.
Borehole on leased land? THINK, RETHINK, THINK AGAIN!
Before you even dream of drilling a borehole on a leased farm, make sure that’s the only option left. Otherwise, you might be left watching your hard-earned water being enjoyed by the next tenant after your lease expires. Hii dunia haina huruma!
Limeni fiti au sio?
~village investor