From IT to agriculture: Samuel Ndungu’s journey into sustainable farming

“I am the farm owner, but I farm for everybody, not just for myself, for people to eat,” he says, stressing that his mission goes beyond profit to serve society.

His farm is a vivid example of integrated agriculture. Spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits flourish side by side, maximising both yield and variety from limited space.

From IT to the farm

Ndungu’s path to farming was not straightforward. Trained in business and information technology, he once worked in construction. Farming, at first, was a side hustle.

“Initially, it wasn’t very serious. Farming was like a side hustle. But during COVID-19, everything changed,” he recalls.

When construction projects stalled during the pandemic, Mr Ndungu had vegetables ready for harvest, and selling the produce gave him a new perspective.

“The vegetables were mine, I sold them as mine. I felt the value of that money. I created opportunities for other people. That is when I knew I could do this better,” explains Mr Ndungu.

By 2023, he had made farming his full-time career. Beyond financial returns, the work offered deep personal satisfaction.

“It’s not just about giving food to people; there is that aspect of quality because when you nourish somebody, you impact his/her health,” he says.

Farming in the age of climate change

Yet farming comes with challenges. Climate change has disrupted rainfall patterns and created uncertainty.

“Sometimes we have irregularities in production and in the market. When it rains, supply is high. When it is sunny, there are shortages,” he explains.

To adapt, Mr Ndungu has invested in drip irrigation and mulching, which conserve water and stabilise production. Still, irrigation costs are high, weighing heavily on smallholders.

His reliance on organic manure instead of chemical fertilisers makes the farm more resilient.

Compost not only improves soil fertility but also helps retain moisture during prolonged dry spells.

Government support, he notes, is limited. The county sometimes provides seeds and fertilisers, though he prefers organic methods.

More helpful has been the creation of structured markets where farmers can sell produce, but infrastructure gaps persist, especially around water access.

“One of the things we have suggested is community water access. For instance, there is a well drilled four years ago with a raised tank. But piping has never been done, so farmers cannot use it. If completed, it would help the majority,” he points out.

Innovation in the soil, engagement

On his farm, innovation blends with tradition. Intercropping is central to his strategy.

“Different pests attack different plants. By mixing crops, some act as repellents. We also use organic pest control methods like pepper, ginger, or even zoonia, which we blend and spray on crops,” he explains.

A designated section is devoted to compost made from manure, crop residues, and organic material.

“The compost assists not only with nutrition but also with water retention and soil softness. The roots penetrate easily, and plants thrive,” he says.

His IT background also gives him an edge. Digital platforms help market producers reach customers directly, increasing sales and visibility.

This fusion of technology and sustainable farming demonstrates how modern tools can enhance traditional livelihoods.

Mr Ndungu’s farm has become a learning hub. Local farmers and households visit to observe his irrigation systems, composting, and pest control methods.

Many adopt these practices, improving their resilience against climate shocks.

What makes him unique, he believes, is his focus on sustainability and quality.

Unlike conventional farmers who rely heavily on chemical fertilisers, Mr Ndungu champions ecological approaches that nurture the soil.

The economics of farming

Farming now provides Mr Ndungu with his main source of income, covering family needs while employing others.

Although irrigation and labour costs are high, returns are steady enough to reinvest.

“Farming is my priority now. Even if I’m called for something else, I schedule it around the farm. This is my core business,” he says.

For him, farming is not just about growing food. It is about resilience, community, and the future. His story illustrates the potential of smallholder farming when passion, innovation, and sustainability align.

Agroecology and climate adaptation in East Africa

Mr Ndungu’s methods mirror a larger movement in East Africa, agroecology.

Agriculture in the region is highly climate-sensitive, with more than 70 percent of smallholders depending on rain-fed systems.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, agroecology is emerging as a pathway for adaptation and resilience.

The Eastern and Southern Africa Smallholder Farmers’ Forum Chair in Uganda, Hakim Baliraine, said agroecology offers multiple benefits.

Practices such as water harvesting, mulching, terracing, and agroforestry conserve soil and water while reducing erosion.

By reducing reliance on chemicals, farmers become less vulnerable to price shocks and health risks.

Speaking at a recent convention of science journalists, farmers and stakeholders organised by Family Farmers for Climate Action in collaboration with the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF), ESAFF and the Seed Savers Network, Mr Baliraine said agroecology also aids climate mitigation by enhancing soil carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

It restores biodiversity, attracts pollinators, and rehabilitates degraded land.

Economically, it cuts costs, diversifies income, and promotes healthier diets through reduced chemical residues.

Government interventions and gaps

Governments are slowly recognising the importance of agroecology.

Tanzania, for example, launched the National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy (NEOAS) 2023–2030, which positions agroecology as a key approach for soil conservation, biodiversity, climate resilience, and farmer livelihoods.

The strategy seeks to expand markets for ecological products, improve farmer knowledge, and integrate organic farming into land-use planning.

It was validated through consultations involving farmers, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.

Yet challenges remain. Knowledge among extension officers and farmers is limited, financing is inadequate, and monitoring is weak.

Industrial agriculture continues to dominate, sidelining ecological practices. Farmer participation in shaping policies is also minimal.

Conserving indigenous seeds

Seed sovereignty is another critical element. Advocacy and Communications Officer at Seed Savers Kenya, Ms Tabitha Munyiri, warns that traditional varieties are being lost due to the spread of conventional seed systems.

“We are losing many indigenous seeds, and more are on the verge of extinction,” she says.

Indigenous seeds, however, are often more resilient to drought, pests, and erratic rainfall. They also support nutritional diversity and food security.

“Diversity equals nutrition,” stresses Ms Munyiri, noting that biodiversity shields families from total crop failure during pest or disease outbreaks