Farmer makes a fortune in semi-arid Gilgil.

Gilgil sub-county in Nakuru county is mainly a semi-arid area, hence many residents shun agriculture. The area experiences low rainfall, which is not reliable while daytime temperatures are high. Still, one farmer has taken the bull by its horns after visiting Israel and China to learn about dry-land farming. Martin Gathogo, 36, has put over 30 acres under irrigation in Murindat ward. He says the venture is a move towards improving food security in the region while earning a living for his family at the same time. “Rainfall here is low and erratic but that is not a reason for us not to engage in farming. Several rivers criss-cross our land,” Gathogo said. continue