Caleb Mbayaki, Agro-ecologist at Mazido (in black) with Jesfferson Mwamburi during a field visit at Dembwa in Mwatate Sub-county, Taita Taveta County. Photo By Treeza Auma
- How a Farmer from Dembwa in Taita Taveta Became a Model in Climate Smart Agriculture Through MAZIDO
Jefferson Mwamburi, a farmer from Dembwa in Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta, knows the struggle of farming in a dry region.
For years, he relied on manual labor, carrying heavy buckets of water from a nearby river to keep his crops alive.
Later, he switched to an electric pump, but the cost of buying electricity tokens quickly drained his earnings. Farming was exhausting, and so was life.
Then, everything changed.
Through the USAID STAWI Mashinani project, Management of Arid Zones for International Development Organization (MAZIDO), a local non-governmental organization, provided Mwamburi with a solar panel, drip irrigation system, and a Sun Flow solar pump.
They also trained him in Climate Smart Agriculture, teaching him how to use water efficiently while improving his yields.
With the new technology, Mwamburi no longer has to carry water or spend on electricity. The solar-powered pump draws water directly from his dam, and the drip irrigation system delivers the right amount to his crops.
His farm is flourishing. His cabbages, maize, and vegetables are healthier than ever.
“In the past, I was always tired. Carrying water, buying electricity tokens, struggling to keep my farm alive. Now, my body has relief. My farm is doing better, and I can finally breathe,” says Mwamburi.
From Survival to Success
In less than a year, Mwamburi’s income doubled. Before adopting Climate Smart Agriculture, he made less than 200 Kenyan shillings per day from selling vegetables.
Now, he earns twice as much. With his increased profits, he invested in a fishpond, something he never imagined possible before.
“I used to dream of having a fishpond, but I never thought it would happen. Thanks to MAZIDO, I now have one,” Mwamburi shares with pride.
A Model Farmer Now Inspiring Others
Mwamburi’s success has turned him into a role model for other farmers in Taita Taveta. Many visit his farm to learn how solar technology is transforming agriculture.
“The Sun Flow solar pump is portable and Bluetooth-enabled. Farmers can track their water usage, manage irrigation efficiently, and cut down electricity costs,” explains Caleb Mbayaki, an agro-ecologist at MAZIDO.
Beyond individual farmers, MAZIDO has also supported banana farmers in Taveta, linking them to markets and teaching them collective bargaining. Their goal is to ensure no farmer is left behind.
A Project Cut Short but Not Forgotten
The USAID (Sustainable Transformational and Accessible Water Interventions) STAWI Mashinani project was designed to run for five years, bringing sustainable water solutions to rural farmers.
However, the program was abruptly stopped when the Trump administration halted US-funded aid worldwide.
Despite the setback, MAZIDO remains committed to its mission.
“We have seen the impact of this project. Farmers like Joel are proof that Climate Smart Agriculture works. We are looking for new partners to keep this mission alive,” says Rhoda Mwashigadi, MAZIDO’s Executive Director.
Mwamburi’s farm is now a symbol of resilience and innovation. His hands no longer blister from carrying buckets. His crops no longer wither from thirst. His dreams no longer feel out of reach.
All it took was a solar pump, the right training, and someone to believe in him.
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