In true 8-4-4 fashion, I am writing this at the last minute before the Tukalime media team starts throwing a fit.

I hope everyone is keeping well with the new normal that is setting in. Here at Tukalime, we have been busy getting farms ready for planting and, to be honest, I feel optimistic about the prospects of the future. You really do have to bet on yourself, especially now.

Today’s post looks at what to do when jumpstarting an agribusiness venture – especially one centered on production. The first thing to do is a feasibility study. What is this, you may ask? This is ensuring that the factors of production are in place and identified risks have been addressed. Think about it – if you’re going to bake the best cake ever, you must ensure that you have the flour, eggs, sugar etc. (All protocols observed if you don’t take sugar, have a protein or gluten allergy or if you just don’t like cake…which is sad its like not liking puppies)

Back to the post. By observing that your soil is healthy, and you have all the necessary inputs, you’re starting from a winning angle. Then there is water. Water, water, water…I can’t stress this enough. Most farms in Kenya are rain fed and there are areas that receive favourable rains all year round. Side note: is it just me or has it felt like it has rained much of this year? Without sustainable irrigation, you’re literally rolling the dice and your success rate is 50-50. Once the soil deficiencies have been addressed and the water is enough to drive a sustainable commercial venture, the next thing is to draft a business plan.

I remember growing up and we all had that uncle who was a Mister Fix it. I mean, the guy was a plumber, electrician, surveyor…you name it! When asked to quantify the costs of said project, the guy would take a stroll to the fence and get a stick to do the math on the soil or, even better, take the matchstick that he had previously used to light his SM and draw on his forearm…“Unaona hapa tutaweka mbao hivi alafu ikuje hivi.” That, my friends, is how you end up with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in shags…But, i digress. You have to develop a proper business plan that incorporates the feasibility study and any necessary mitigations, the inputs needed, desired output and the prevailing market price. These items should collectively give you an idea of what your return on investment will look like. Point to note, it is very important to know your cost of production of one singular unit. Whether that be a kilo of potatoes or a head of cabbage. Understanding this will allow you to know how to price and sell it and make you a better businessperson.

Finally, identifying the market. Many people have winged it, grown produce and rolled the dice at the market to surprisingly favourable returns. Many have also cried premium tears when brokers have taken advantage of them or when they’ve been unable to find a market for their produce. The identification of where to sell your hard-earned sweat will allow you to sleep better at night. It also allows you to watch your cost of production and aim for higher margins.

All in all as I have to sign off, I was told I have to keep it at 500 words or you guys will turn away, you have to have a pragmatic approach to farming. Farming is difficult but once you understand the protocols and follow them, it will often allow room to maneuver in any unfortunate eventualities. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Twende Tukalime