Kenya farmers adopt organic fertilizers to combat soil depletion

Kenyan farmers are increasingly adopting organic alternatives, such as earthworms and fly larvae, to combat soil depletion caused by intensive chemical fertilizer use. Agriculture is a vital sector for Kenya, accounting for approximately 22% of its GDP and employing 45% of the workforce. However, a 2025 report by the Heinrich Boll Foundation indicates that 40% of East African soils are impoverished, leading to estimated productivity losses of $65 billion.

In Kenya, roughly one-third of arable land is classified as highly acidic due to intensive farming and climate change. Rising fertilizer prices, driven by Middle East instability and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, have further incentivized the search for sustainable options.

In Lari, near Nairobi, farmer George Muturi utilizes wooden bins containing thousands of manure worms to process organic waste, including food scraps and cow manure. Within six weeks, the worms produce vermicompost, a natural fertilizer that improves soil structure, moisture retention, and organic matter. Muturi reports that this method has significantly enhanced his land's fertility, allowing for production even during dry periods.