Soil Testing Boosts Tomato Yields Fivefold in Nyeri.

Farmers in Nyeri County are celebrating a breakthrough tomato harvest after embracing soil testing as part of their planting strategy. What was once a struggling tomato season marked by low yields and pest issues has transformed into a bumper harvest with some farmers recording up to five times more tomatoes than before.

The secret? Understanding their soil. Through targeted soil testing, these farmers were able to identify nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances and underlying soil health challenges. With this information, they applied the right fertilizers, improved irrigation and selected crop varieties better suited to their land. The result has been healthier plants, reduced input costs and an impressive increase in productivity.

But there is another silent hero in this story: traceability. By integrating traceability systems alongside soil testing, farmers and agricultural partners could track which farms had been tested, what inputs were used and how each step in the process affected the outcome. This not only ensured more personalized support for farmers but also helped build a data trail linking farm practices to crop performance.

Traceability also came in handy during the sourcing and application of fertilizers and soil amendments. By documenting input brands, quantities used and timelines, it became easier to monitor effectiveness and prevent misuse. For buyers, particularly in the fresh produce market, this level of transparency has become a major plus proof that the tomatoes are safe, sustainably grown and meet quality standards from farm to market.

With improved yields and market access, the Nyeri farmers are now reinvesting in their farms, expanding acreage and encouraging their neighbours to follow suit. The combination of science-backed farming and traceability is proving to be a game-changer not just for tomato yields, but for food security and farmer empowerment across the region.