Nairobi: In the heart of Luanda, Vihiga County: Mzee Mika Mukoko has emerged as a leading agroecology champion, inspiring farmers to embrace climate-smart agriculture and farm in harmony with nature. On his small farm, Mukoko applies innovative techniques that turn locally available waste materials into valuable farm inputs.
According to Kenya News Agency, one of Mukoko's signature practices involves making bone charcoal, also known as bone char, from cow heads collected from hotels. He carbonizes the bones through high-temperature heating, producing a granular substance rich in calcium and other minerals. 'The bone char has the potential to enhance agricultural practices and promote sustainable farming. It improves soil health, increases crop yields, and can help mitigate climate change,' Mukoko said.
Beyond bone char, he ferments nitrogen-rich plant leaves to create a nutrient-packed liquid fertilizer. He also utilizes termite mound soil, prized for its high nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, and sulfur content, to improve soil fertility and structure. Other innovations on his farm include composting cocoa pod husks into potassium-rich fertilizer, mulching to suppress weeds, and using pepper as a natural pesticide. He advises farmers to plant pre-germinated maize seeds to ensure 100 percent survival and reduce crop failure risks.
Mukoko has diversified his farm to include spinach-both local and Italian varieties-okra, strawberries, peppers, and cocoa. He has also adopted vertical gardening using recycled materials to maximize limited space. 'I encourage farmers to use what they have. By repurposing waste and working with nature, we reduce costs, improve yields, and protect the environment,' he said.
Through his methods, Mzee Mukoko is not only increasing productivity but also promoting a circular economy and sustainable agriculture in the community.