A new crop, a new opportunity

"I received 800 Tamarillo (tree tomato) seedlings through the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) project. Barely two years later, I have begun harvesting the fruits." – Zablon Ngumi, a smallholder farmer based in Nyandurua, Kenya.

Tamarillo farming is a relatively new venture in Nyandarua, but for local farmers like me, it has become a lifeline in the face of changing weather patterns that have made traditional crops like peas and Irish potatoes less reliable. 

Unlike these conventional crops, tamarillos bear fruit throughout the year and require less maintenance, offering a more stable and sustainable source of income. With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, the smallholder farmers needed a crop that could provide consistency and resilience. I expect to harvest about one metric tonne from his farm, selling each kilogram for 80 Kenya Shillings—a promising return on investment. 

Through the same project, I received bamboo seedlings, which I planted in May 2023. Their rapid growth has been remarkable. As part of the initiative, we were also trained in farmyard manure preparation, best practices for tamarillo cultivation, and market access strategies. This training introduced us to potential buyers, ensuring that our hard work translates into income,” added Zablon. 

By following the recommended planting techniques—digging spacious holes, enriching the soil with manure, and maintaining proper care—my 800 tamarillo plants are now thriving. 

Today, my farm is a diverse landscape of fruit trees, bamboo, and other produce, securing my livelihood and proving that sustainable agriculture can be both profitable and environmentally friendly.