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What is Kilimohai Organic for Farmers

Kilimohai Organic™ is the standard mark of Organic Certification in Kenya. It is obtained by been certified under the East Africa Organic Products Standards or an international organic standard. The mark of certification applies for agricultural inputs, fresh and dried farm produce and processed food products.

The East Africa organic Standards contain guidelines that outline what is allowed and not allowed in organic production within the East African territory. The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network holds the ownership of the mark and anyone certified organic within the country must seek authorization from KOAN to use the mark on their packaged product. This controls use of the mark and provides clarity on who can use the mark.

For farmers, Kilimohai Organic serves as a pathway to access new markets, improve livelihoods, and contribute to environmental sustainability. The certification process involves rigorous inspections and adherence to organic principles, ensuring that farmers produce healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly products.

Prospects of Demand & Sector Development

The demand for organic products is growing rapidly both locally and internationally. Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits and environmental advantages of organic foods, leading to a surge in demand for certified organic products. Kilimohai Organic farmers are well-positioned to meet this demand, with opportunities to expand their market reach and increase sales.

Prospects of Demand:

  • Rising Consumer Awareness: More consumers are seeking organic products due to concerns about health, food safety, and environmental impact. This trend is expected to continue, creating a stable and expanding market for organic produce.
  • Export Opportunities: International markets, especially in Europe and North America, have a strong demand for organic products. Kilimohai Organic certification opens doors for farmers to export their produce, accessing premium markets and higher prices. Also among neighboring, especially in the cities, the demand for organic products is raising.
  • Local Market Growth: In East Africa, there is a growing interest in organic foods among urban consumers and health-conscious individuals. This local demand offers farmers a chance to establish strong domestic markets for their products.

Sector Development:

  • Investment in Infrastructure: As the organic sector grows, there will be increasing investment in infrastructure such as organic processing facilities, distribution networks, and storage solutions. This development supports the entire value chain, from farm to market.
  • Policy Support and Advocacy: Governments and organizations are recognizing the importance of organic agriculture in promoting food security and environmental sustainability. Supportive policies and advocacy efforts are essential for the sector’s development and growth. Some counties in Kenya have started to explicitly support organic production and marketing efforts (i.e. local organic markets).
  • Research and Innovation: Continued research and innovation in organic farming practices, pest management, and soil health will drive the sector forward, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Organic Business Development & Certification

Kilimohai Organic provides farmers with a new opportunity to connect to the growing organic businesses. Thereby, smallholder farmers will need to connect with buyers of organic produce and join an existing PGS group or form a new one.

Bigger farmers may consider third-party certification to access the Kilimohai Organic mark. In both cases, certification is a must to access the Kilimohai Organic mark and be able to supply buyers of organic products. Thereby, organic certification will imply a complete shift away from conventional to organic production practices. For this transition, specialized trainings or organic extension support may be needed.

For more information on how to form a PGS Group Download Poster HERE

Organic Extension & Support

To ensure the success of Kilimohai Organic farmers, a robust support system must be in place to provide relevant information and technical assistance. This extension and support network is essential for farmers to adopt and maintain organic practices.

Extension Services:

  • Training and Workshops: Farmers receive training on organic farming techniques, pest management, soil health, and certification requirements. These workshops equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in organic agriculture.
  • Technical Assistance: Expert advisors and agronomists provide on-farm support, helping farmers implement best practices and troubleshoot challenges in organic production.
  • Resource Sharing: Farmers have access to resources such as indigenous seeds, composting materials, and natural pest control solutions, ensuring they have the tools needed to maintain their organic operations.

Support Networks:

  • Farmer Cooperatives and PGS Groups: By joining cooperatives or PGS Groups, farmers can pool resources, share knowledge, and collaborate on marketing efforts, strengthening their collective bargaining power and market presence.
  • Partnerships with NGOs and Government Agencies: Collaborations with non-governmental organizations and government bodies provide additional support, funding, and advocacy for organic farmers.

Key Success Factors

For farmers to thrive within the Kilimohai Organic framework, several key success factors have been observed:

  • Commitment to Organic Principles: Farmers must fully embrace organic principles, prioritizing sustainability, biodiversity, and natural farming methods.
  • Trustworthy Farmer Group: Especially smallholder farmers must group themselves to form a strong, committed and trustworthy PGS group, which together makes sure that its members successfully use organic production practices while finding joint ways to market their produce.
  • Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Staying informed about the latest developments in organic agriculture and adapting to changing market trends is crucial for success.
  • Strong Market Connections: Building relationships with buyers, retailers, and consumers enhances market access and creates loyal customer bases.
  • Effective Resource Management: Efficient use of resources, such as water, soil, and inputs, is vital for maintaining productivity and profitability in organic farming.

Contact

The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) offers comprehensive extension services through dedicated field coordinators located in key agricultural regions. Our team is committed to supporting farmers and producers in their journey towards Kilimohai Organic certification by providing expert guidance, training, and technical assistance. Feel free to reach out to any of our field coordinators for region-specific support, inquiries, or to learn more about how Kilimohai Organic certification can benefit your farming endeavors. Together, we can build a thriving organic agriculture sector in East Africa.

Our primary focus is on the following regions through our field coordinators:

For farmers and producers interested in Kilimohai Organic certification or seeking more information, please contact us:

Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN)

By embracing Kilimohai Organic certification, farmers and producers can tap into a growing market, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to a more sustainable future for agriculture in East Africa.