Dry-land farming in Kenya / myLot

@JudyEv (382036)

Rockingham, Australia

April 22, 2026 2:49am CST

When I read this article on the news website, I immediately thought of our myLotting friend, Siddi, (@SIDIKIMPOLE) who lives in Kenya. Australian farmer, Stuart Barden, now lives 50 kms south of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. In 2009, Stuart went to Kenya on a Nuffield Scholarship to study ‘grain growing in low rainfall environments’. Three-quarters of the country is arid or semi-arid. Stuart applied Australia's dry-land cropping techniques to his far and it has been a great success. Over the years, the success of AusQuest Farm has seen thousands of interested persons touring the property, which borders a private nature conservation. The farm now sustains three separate businesses: growing beans and forage sorghum for market, producing and selling silage, and building fences for other farmers. The photo is mine.

9 people like this

9 responses

Juliaacv

@Juliaacv (56207)

• Canada

23 Apr

That in so very interesting. I have often wondered how countries, in this climate, manage to grow their own crops.

2 people like this

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Juliaacv

@Juliaacv (56207)

• Canada

25 Apr

@JudyEv That black soil is so rich in nutrients and produces delicious vegetables that cannot grow in hard clay soil.

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382036)

• Rockingham, Australia

23 Apr

The Kenyans thought the black soil wasn't productive but it's been proved otherwise.

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snowy

@snowy22315 (208878)

• United States

22 Apr

So glad it is working out well in Kenya.

2 people like this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382036)

• Rockingham, Australia

22 Apr

It's good they are able to improve farming methods there.

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snowy

@snowy22315 (208878)

• United States

22 Apr

@JudyEv With the coming horrendous weather, they will need to.

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luisadannointed

@luisadannointed (11852)

• Philippines

23 Apr

That's so nice to know. I think that is very important for any country to really know how to farm to secure food for the nation.

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Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382036)

• Rockingham, Australia

23 Apr

That's true. We all need food if we're to thrive.

LindaOH

@LindaOHio (222314)

• United States

24 Apr

I'm glad the farming methods are successful.

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382036)

• Rockingham, Australia

25 Apr

It's good to see the local people being helped.

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SIDDI KIMPOLE

@SIDIKIMPOLE (3480)

• Eldoret, Kenya

23 Apr

I have in fact gone through their web site and I am amazed at the great things they are achieving. It is a wonderful farm.

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382036)

• Rockingham, Australia

25 Apr

They are quite a long way from you and the soil might be totally different but hopefully something might help.

SIDDI KIMPOLE

@SIDIKIMPOLE (3480)

• Eldoret, Kenya

23 Apr

This is very encouraging. I even never new of AusQuest Farm. I am very glad to know. I hope to pay the farm a visit soon because I am sure I will learn a lot there. Thank you very much for the information my friend!

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382036)

• Rockingham, Australia

23 Apr

You're welcome, Siddi. I hope they might have something that can help with your farming.

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SIDDI KIMPOLE

@SIDIKIMPOLE (3480)

• Eldoret, Kenya

23 Apr

@JudyEv You are right my friend. They definitely have something that can uplift my farming skills.