For farmers in the lowlands of Taita Taveta, erratic weather has long posed a significant challenge. Prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall have led to crop losses, low productivity, and food insecurity, as most farmers rely on subsistence farming rather than commercial agriculture. Climate change has further intensified these challenges, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to plan and sustain their harvests.
In June 2025, ActionAid Kenya conducted a training on agroecology targeting 40 local farmers, including Mary Mwadime, a 65-year-old member of the women’s group Sauti Ya Wanawake. Excited to learn new methods, Mary saw this as an opportunity not only to improve her own farming but also to educate her fellow group members on sustainable agricultural practices.
Mary embraced innovative water management techniques introduced during the training. She adopted the use of farm ponds, a water harvesting technology designed for small-scale farmers. Rainwater collected in these ponds can be stored and used during dry seasons, ensuring a consistent supply of water for vegetable gardens. In addition, Mary implemented Zai pits, shallow sunken beds measuring approximately one meter by one meter, filled with water before planting seeds. This technique allows water to be retained for longer, improving crop survival and productivity during periods of low rainfall.
“I learnt these techniques from the training organized by ActionAid. My harvest has greatly improved, and I sell any excess vegetables to earn some income,” said Mary.
Mary has also embraced solar drying technology for vegetable preservation, another initiative supported by ActionAid Kenya. Along with other women, she received training on using solar driers to preserve vegetables, enabling them to reach markets even during the dry season.
“This has been a great opportunity for me. I now receive orders from as far as Mombasa and Nairobi. Recently, I sold some dried vegetables to our Deputy Governor after she learned about my work, and she loved them,” Mary shared proudly.
By preserving indigenous vegetables using solar driers, Mary not only reduces post-harvest losses but also saves time, as solar drying reduces drying time by three to five times compared to traditional sun-drying methods. This efficiency allows women farmers like Mary to focus on other farm activities while ensuring a steady supply of nutritious vegetables throughout the year.
Mary Mwadime’s story is a testament to the power of knowledge, innovation, and resilience in the face of climate change. Through simple but effective techniques, she has improved her harvests, increased her income, and strengthened both her family’s and her community’s food security through the sale of surplus produce, proving that even small-scale farmers can thrive in challenging climates.
Author: Pauline Atieno, Local Rights Programm (LRP) Coordinator. Edited by: Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya