Introducing Greenhouses to Rural Farmers

Greenhouse framing is a new and exciting technology in Kenya. They have been gaining popularity over the past few years as they allow farmers to control the climate of their crops, preventing the damaging effects of drought, flood, and other extreme weather conditions. However, due to their high investment costs, most rural Kenyan farmers know little or nothing about greenhouses. To combat this, the HopeCore Micro Enterprise team has been traveling into the field to introduce greenhouse farming to HopeCore’s clients. As stated in the last blog entry, HopeCore intends to pilot loaning greenhouse supplies to 12-person groups for the purpose of income generation and increased food security. Groups will receive a 360,000Ksh loan for the purpose of purchasing two 8×15 meter greenhouses, complete with drip irrigation systems and training. This lending process will minimize costs and allow smallholders to reap the benefits of this new agricultural technology.

Currently, there are only a handful of greenhouses in the Chogoria area, which are all owned by wealthy individuals. Because of this, many rural farmers feel that this technology is out of their reach and are therefore wary of greenhouses. Therefore, we are empowering groups by disseminating information about the benefits of greenhouse farming. Our program will eliminate the hurdles that many rural farmers face in adopting new technology. By encouraging teamwork and cooperation, rural farmers are finding that greenhouses are within their reach. HopeCore is excited to locate, motivate and work with the first groups who choose to invest in this new technology. These groups will be the first smallholders in the area to have access to greenhouse farming. We hope that these groups will inspire other smallholder to utilize new technologies. HopeCore looks forward to making greenhouses accessible to all farmers.

Written by Caroline Gimmillaro, Greenhouse Project Founder