Enhancing the sustainability of EM farm with sustainable food production

Abstract

This research sought to discover the opportunities the Maasai in Kitengela got from establishing a farm to practice sustainable agriculture. Due to meteoric changes, the Maasai, a pastoralist community, has experienced various hurdles due to the alterations in the grazing fields. Thus, they have been forced to embrace proper agriculture and sustainable farming practices. The case approach was adopted in the present study, and information was accessed with the help of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, documents, and participation observation techniques as both qualitative and quantitative research instruments. The theoretical framework was underpinned by two approaches: the circular economy, which entails the gradual regeneration of resources and reduction of waste, and the sustainable livelihoods, which are aimed at improving livelihoods through a range of resources and activities. Some concepts analyzed were climate change, community involvement, and environmental preservation. The conclusions drawn were that the Maasai people in the area are interested in practicing sustainable agriculture farms such as bee farming and the farming associated with the income-generating activity of tourism. All participants stated that they had been residents of the area for more than 20 years and knew how climate change affects livestock, realizing that improving the approach to local agriculture would be beneficial. Other local stakeholders supported the application of sustainable food production methods as well. Moreover, tourism can enhance community perception. However, some respondents observed that the change had negative impacts, such as adverse effects on our cultural values. As highlighted in the case study, the farm was likely to have a significant positive impact on the Maasai people.