Down Memory Lane...

Reflecting on that pivotal day a decade ago at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) in Nairobi, I can't help but appreciate how much we learned and how far we’ve come since then. It was 10 years ago when Green Earthing officials had the privilege of participating in a remarkable outreach and networking workshop focused on optimizing pesticidal plants in Kenya. Organized in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation, Lions Club of Kenya, and ICRAF, it brought together participants from across Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, Uganda, and even the USA.Back then, we were certainly stepping out of our comfort zone. 

Surrounded by scientists, researchers, and experts in agroforestry, we were the only non-scientists in the room—eager to absorb all the new knowledge about pesticidal plants, a subject we knew very little about. What struck us most was how many of the plants we had always considered to be "weeds" in our shambas were, in fact, some of the most effective natural pesticides. Plants like the black jack, Mexican marigold, neem (Mwarubaini), moringa, Tithonia, chilli, garlic, lemongrass, and even the common custard apple tree were part of a long list of powerful pesticidal plants we had never fully appreciated.It was a humbling moment for us, realizing that these plants, often dismissed or uprooted without a second thought, held such immense value in sustainable farming.

The experts from the University of Greenwich and ICRAF had done extensive research proving that with basic training, farmers could confidently use these plants as natural pesticides—learning how to extract, dilute, and apply them to protect their crops without resorting to expensive and harmful synthetic chemicals.One of the most eye-opening aspects of the workshop was learning how these pesticidal plants work—either by attracting pests or repelling them from damaging crops. In contrast to the $4.1 million spent annually by farmers on synthetic pesticides, these locally available plants provided a cheaper and more sustainable alternative. The best part? They were readily accessible, growing naturally in the very landscapes we lived in.Looking back, I vividly remember the practical sessions in the afternoons. Each participant had the chance to practice propagation techniques—grafting, marcotting, cutting, and using solarization to dry seeds for longer shelf life and protection from pests. 

There was something special about getting hands-on experience, guided by botanists from the National Museums of Kenya like Peter Muthoka and Barnabas, and experts like Dr. Desterio Nyamongo from the newly restructured Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO). They shared valuable knowledge about identifying species, collecting germplasm, and ensuring the sustainable harvesting of these plants for future generations.

The discussions during the workshop left a lasting impression. We explored sustainable harvesting methods and learned techniques for seed collection, handling, and storage. These were not just theoretical lessons but practical steps to ensure that these pesticidal plants could be preserved and passed down, just as they had been through generations of farmers before us.A decade later, I find myself reflecting on how much that experience shaped Green Earthing’s approach. We left that workshop with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep respect for nature’s solutions. What we learned about pesticidal plants became a cornerstone of our mission to promote sustainable farming practices. The relationships we built, the knowledge we gained, and the commitment we made to our environment continue to influence our work to this day.