Sarah Njeri
From Water Scarcity to Farming Success: Sara Njeri’s Onion Farming Journey
In Gathaithi Village, determination and smart investment in water management have transformed Sara Njeri Gikonyo’ssmall plot of land into a reliable source of income and opportunity. Like many smallholder farmers, Sara started farming on a small scale and quickly encountered one major challenge, access to water.
“Water was my biggest problem,” Sara recalls. “I could not farm consistently.
Investing in Water to Unlock Growth
When Sara heard about farmers digging irrigation ponds, she made the decision to invest in one herself. A pond was excavated on her farm and lined to retain water, allowing her to irrigate crops and farm more efficiently throughout the season.
“This changed everything,” she says. “With water available, I was able to plan my farming better and expand my activities.
Discovering Opportunity in Onion Farming
With improved water access, Sara began supplying produce to nearby markets. As she explored different crops, she became increasingly drawn to onion farming.
To ensure success, Sara consulted agricultural experts to identify suitable onion varieties. Acting on their advice, she purchased 100 grams of onion seed, planted them, and harvested 500 kilograms in her first season.
Encouraged by the results, she steadily scaled up production, first to 200 grams of seed, and then gradually increasing her planting each season.
“I grow in stages,” she explains. “I expand slowly using what I have learned from the previous season.”
Farming with a Market Focus
Sara closely monitors local market prices to guide her harvesting and sales decisions. This market awareness has helped her maximise returns, even when she retains part of the harvest for other uses.
“Onions planted in January are ready by April,” she notes. “When prices are good, I can sell very profitably.”
This strategic timing has turned onion farming into a dependable business.
Farming That Supports Education and Family
The income from onion farming has had a direct impact on Sara’s family. Through the proceeds, she has supported her children’s education, helping her son complete his studies and financing her daughter’s secondary school education.
“Farming has helped me take care of my family,” she says proudly.
Ongoing Challenges and Determination
Despite her progress, Sara still faces challenges. Quality seeds are often difficult to find, and when available, they are expensive. Irrigation also adds to production costs, as she uses sprinklers powered by an electric pump. Additional expenses include manure, fertiliser, and other farming inputs.
Even so, Sara remains committed.
“Farming requires effort, patience, and commitment,” she says. “But when you work hard and plan well, it brings meaningful rewards.”
A Story of Resilience and Growth
Sara Njeri’s journey is one of learning, perseverance, and smart investment, particularly in irrigation. From digging a pond to scaling up onion production, her experience highlights how access to water, advisory support, and market awareness can turn small-scale farming into a sustainable livelihood.
Today, Sara continues to expand her farm, confident that with dedication and resilience, agriculture can deliver lasting benefits.