Most farmers face significant challenges during the harvest season, particularly exploitation by middlemen who take advantage of the fear of post-harvest loss, therefore buying produce at extremely low prices.

However, in Mauche, Njoro Sub-county, farmers have come together to form cooperatives aimed at addressing these issues. One key initiative is the construction of a cereal storage facility.

David Koskey, a farmer in the ward, shares his experience, explaining that he used to face exploitation due to limited storage options.

“I used to harvest and sell at very low prices because I was at the mercy of middlemen. Sometimes, I even lost my produce due to poor storage facilities,” he recalls.

Koskey notes that his inability to dry maize properly forced him to leave it in the field to dry, which often led to spoilage during unexpected rains.

Now, through the cooperative, he can dry his maize to the required moisture levels, significantly reducing losses.

Terer Kipkoech, the cooperative chairperson, highlights that aggregating and storing grains allows farmers to wait for better market prices.

Inside Mauka Warehouse used to store grains as farmers wait for better market prices.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

“Most farmers avoid exploitation by middlemen and can sell their produce at higher prices when the market conditions are favourable,” he explains.

Additionally, through the warehouse receipt system, farmers can access advance payments based on their stored grains, easing financial pressures.

Kipkoech emphasizes that the cooperative is also working to provide transportation services for farmers, addressing another factor that makes them vulnerable to middlemen.

Farmers only need to pay a modest storage and management fee of about Sh80 per month.

“The warehouse receipt system enables farmers to get advance money for their cereals, helping them manage their finances as they wait for better market prices,” he adds.

Kipkoech expresses optimism that more farmers will embrace the storage facilities, enabling them to bypass middlemen and achieve better returns for their hard work.

Njoro farmers' clever idea to avoid exploitation by middlemen

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Muthoni Wanjiku