1 October 2026

Getting your shamba ready before the rains

Farmers across the country are watching the skies. Whether the rains come early or late, the farms that do best are the ones that were ready first.

Start with the land itself: finish any terracing or drainage work while the ground is still workable, and clear weed growth before it sets seed for next season.

Check your seed and inputs now, not on planting day. Agro-dealers run short of popular varieties once the first rains fall, and prices follow demand.

Finally, look at storage. A few days spent repairing a leaking store roof is cheaper than watching a harvest spoil. For more seasonal guidance, join the weekly discussions in the Africa Farmers Club.