Farming is not a Matter of Life and Death-Accept Frustration
Kelvin Wairimu 
Farming can be incredibly challenging, especially when you face the possibility of losing everything. Imagine investing hundreds or even thousands of dollars into a farm project, only to see it fail without any profits or returns. This harsh reality is something many farmers know all too well.
It’s unrealistic to guarantee profits in any farming venture. Even in situations where profitability seems likely, unforeseen circumstances can arise at any moment, jeopardizing the entire investment. The agriculture industry is heavily influenced by weather conditions, and anything can happen.
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Consider the scenario of planting an entire acre of hybrid tomatoes, investing over two hundred thousand shillings, only for the crop to be devastated by blight and hailstorms just before harvest. Most losses in tomato farming occur at the maturity stage, regardless of how diligent or experienced the farmer may be.
Similarly, bulb onions can suffer from abortion and stunted growth due to uneven watering and pest infestations, resulting in farmers losing millions of shillings. Post-harvest losses present another significant challenge.
Imagine planting the best hybrid variety, managing it well, and successfully harvesting over 15 tons per acre, only to have the entire crop rot in storage because of a misguided decision to hold it in hopes of higher prices. This false hope has left many farmers vowing never to cultivate bulb onions again.
Frustrations also extend to the livestock sector. Dairy farmers may lose their high-yielding cows to diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease. Consider the situation where you invest over Ksh. 500,000 in a pregnant cow, only to have complications during calving, resulting in the loss of both the animal and the capital you invested in building the cow barn. Despite these setbacks, the spirit of farming persists—farmers continue to push forward.
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Disease outbreaks, like swine flu, can wipe out entire flocks of mature pigs, yet farmers persist in their endeavours. When farmers believed there was financial stability in broiler farming, many expanded their operations and increased their bird count.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic struck Kenya, leading to total lockdowns. Frustrated farmers were left with limited options, often resorting to selling their big stakes to buyers on credit who failed to pay. Many gave up and turned the construction materials from their farms into firewood.
These examples illustrate the challenges faced across all agricultural sectors. For those who are resourceful and market-savvy, brokers often await, enticing farmers with credit but failing to pay the full amount.
In conclusion, it’s fair to say that you need thick skin and unwavering determination to withstand the repeated losses inherent in farming. Otherwise, frustration will persist; what truly matters is how you respond to these challenges.
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