On June 15–16, 2025, sixteen farmers from the Kalomo Farmers Association participated in a one-day training at Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) to learn about Bokashi composting and sustainable maize production. This training marked the first step in a long-term collaboration aimed at regenerating soils and increasing productivity through agroecological methods.
The participating farmers are engaged in mixed farming systems, keeping cattle, goats, and chickens, and cultivating land ranging from 5 to 50 hectares. With livestock resources and organic residues readily available, these farmers have access to high-quality inputs needed to begin regenerating their soils and enhancing soil life.
The training introduced them to the Bokashi method, a fast, nutrient-rich composting technique that helps recycle farm waste into effective organic fertilizer. By integrating Bokashi into their farming systems, farmers can reduce dependence on synthetic inputs and boost microbial activity in the soil.
Participants also explored sustainable maize production practices. A key highlight was seeing organically grown maize cobs from Kasisi’s open-pollinated variety, which has been cultivated and improved locally for many years. This variety shows strong potential for yield stability and adaptability in diverse conditions.
In addition, the training emphasized the importance of crop diversification. By incorporating a wider range of crops into their rotations, farmers can further enrich their soils, enhance resilience to climate variability, and build more balanced ecosystems.
This initiative represents a shared vision between KATC and the Kalomo Farmers Association: to promote regenerative agriculture, improve food sovereignty, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Southern Province.
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