In Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), access to land is often the missing piece in the food security puzzle. But you don’t need to own land to start your farming journey. Leasing land through programs like FCCI’s “Lease-a-Plot” in Isinya, Kajiado County, is empowering a new generation of youth, women, and community groups to grow food, earn income, and build climate resilience.
Here’s what you should consider before signing that lease in 2025:
1. WHY WATER ACCESS IS A LIFELINE IN ASAL FARMING
In places like Isinya, where rainfall is limited and unreliable, water is everything. A leased plot is only valuable if you can irrigate consistently. FCCI encourages prospective farmers to ask:
- Is there a borehole, water pan, or piped access?
- Is solar-powered irrigation available?
- Are there drip kits to reduce wastage?
Real Story: Mary, a young mother from Kajiado, leased 1 acre at FCCI’s demo farm to grow cowpeas and African nightshade during a dry spell. She now supplies a local school feeding program.
Without water, land in ASALs is like a phone without a charger, full of potential, but unable to deliver.
2. KNOW YOUR SOIL, GROW YOUR FUTURE
Soil isn’t just dirt, it’s your crop’s foundation. Before signing a lease, FCCI helps new farmers:
- Conduct simple soil tests (under KES 2,000)
- Match crops to soil type (e.g., amaranth for sandy soil, tomatoes for loam)
- Understand past land use to avoid depleted soils
3. LEASE ONLY WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS AND MANAGE
In ASAL zones, distance can be a dealbreaker. Consider:
- Proximity to roads and markets like Isinya, Kajiado, Kiserian, Kitengela, or Nairobi
- Availability of transport and farm labour
- Security – Is the land in a theft-prone area?
In Loitoktok, a group of youth came together to jointly lease a one-acre plot near a feeder road, enabling them to transport their farm produce to local markets twice a week with ease and efficiency.
4. INFRASTRUCTURE THAT SETS YOU UP FOR SUCCESS
Look for land that include or allow for:
- Drip irrigation kits
- Basic fencing or tree boundaries
- Composting space or organic inputs
- Optional: storage sheds or greenhouse tunnels
Affordable Start: At FCCI, you can lease a one-acre plot equipped with essential farm amenities, providing a practical, low-cost entry point for aspiring farmers.
5. UNDERSTANDING THE LEASE AGREEMENT
FCCI supports you to:
- Get clear, written terms, in English or Swahili
- Choose 1-year renewable or longer period.
- Understand your rights to farm, access water, and bring in support
Avoid This: Never lease land from a third party without title verification. FCCI only works with vetted community landowners and provides documentation.
6. CHOOSE CROPS THAT MATCH THE CLIMATE AND MARKET
Don’t lease land to grow crops that will fail in heat or drought. FCCI promotes:
- Drought-tolerant varieties: cowpeas, green grams, African leafy vegetables
- High-value microcrops: amaranth, chili, coriander
- Short-cycle crops (30-60 days) for faster cash returns
Example: One group of young women in Isinya leased 1 acre and earned KES 144,000 in just 45 days from coriander sales alone.
7. START SMALL AND SMART
FCCI helps beginners launch with:
- Farm-in-a-sack demos
- 1 acre test plots
- Training and mentorship every week
You don’t need 5 acres. You need one good harvest to get started.
8. FAQ: LAND LEASING IN ASALS
Q: I’m under 30 and have no land. Can I still join FCCI’s program?
A: Yes! Youth are prioritized in our training and leasing programs.
Q: What’s the minimum plot size I can lease?
A: As little as 1 acre, perfect for short cycle crops like vegetables, onion, tomatoes etc
Q: Can I lease with others as a group?
A: Absolutely. FCCI encourages youth and women groups to co-lease for cost-sharing.
Q: What’s included in the lease?
You get farming space, irrigation pipes, drips, staff houses, stores, lavatories, as well as mentorship and market linkage support.
FINAL WORD
Land leasing isn’t just for commercial investors, it’s a practical way for young Kenyans, women, and landless farmers to start building food security and income today. With the right partners and climate-smart practices, you can grow more, with less.
READY TO BEGIN?
We’d love to keep you in the loop! Let us know if you’d like updates on our upcoming farming trainings or lease-a-plot opportunities at the FCCI Model Farm in Isinya. Whether you’re a farmer, donor, youth group, or development partner, you can be part of this transformation.
📍Visit our Climate-Smart Model Farm in Isinya
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254-721-472628 Email: hello@futureconcern.org
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