Earn Your Leisure Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: Building a Farm from Scratch: Lessons and Advice from Kenya
Hosts: Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Earn Your Leisure, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings delve into the entrepreneurial journey of building a farm from the ground up in Kenya. The discussion offers invaluable insights into the financial opportunities within agriculture, particularly highlighting the differences between farming in Kenya and the United States. Through engaging conversations with experienced farmers and experts, the episode underscores the profitability, challenges, and community support inherent in establishing a successful farming business in Kenya.
Acquiring Farmland in Kenya
Cost Analysis and Land Valuation
Troy Millings begins by examining the cost of acquiring farmland in Kenya, contrasting it with land prices in the United States. He highlights that while initial land costs might seem high, factors such as heritage land and strategic locations near main roads can significantly influence pricing.
Troy Millings [01:58]: "I heard like 10,000 an acre on that. Is that... Yeah, that's like a good."
Millings explains that land priced at around $10,000 per acre often reflects its proximity to essential infrastructure, enhancing its value and usability for farming purposes.
Comparative Land Opportunities
The hosts discuss how land in Kenya offers competitive pricing compared to states like California and Texas. They emphasize Kenya's vast flatlands and fertile soil, which present attractive opportunities for budding farmers.
Troy Millings [02:37]: "You can absolutely find land that is comparable, I would say some parts of California. And like, I keep comparing it to, like, Texas. Right? Like, you can get great land."
Profitability of Farming in Kenya
Case Study: Onion Farming
One of the central themes revolves around the profitability of farming, with a particular focus on onion farming. Troy shares his initial skepticism about farming profitability, which was later dispelled through discussions with his lawyer—a seasoned farmer.
Troy Millings [02:51]: "My lawyer, again, who's been super helpful, he's a farmer, and he was like, I make way more money farming. It's like, this is sure fire."
He outlines the financial model, detailing the costs involved and the potential returns. For instance, investing $11,000 in five acres of onion farming can yield between $30,000 to $35,000 within a quarter, making it a highly lucrative venture.
Agricultural Advantages
Kenya's agricultural landscape offers distinct advantages over the U.S., such as superior soil quality and favorable climate conditions that reduce the need for intensive soil restoration.
Troy Millings [05:18]: "It's Africa. It's like you throw a seed in the ground and stuff just grows. You know what I mean? Like, literally, like, it's amazing."
This ease of cultivation allows for quicker planting cycles and higher yields, further enhancing the profitability of farming in Kenya.
Operational Aspects of Farming
Setting Up an Operational Farm
Guest 1 probes into the practical aspects of establishing a farm, such as irrigation systems, seed planting, labor management, pesticide control, and fencing.
Guest 1 [05:18]: "So I was going to ask you, what is the process actually setting? Because buying land is one thing, but having an operational farm is another thing."
Irrigation and Water Management
Troy emphasizes the critical role of water management in farming, detailing the process of setting up borehole systems for irrigation and ensuring a reliable water supply.
Troy Millings [09:34]: "I think water has been a challenge."
He explains the technicalities of boreholes, including water analysis, geological assessments, and the installation of pumps to facilitate efficient irrigation.
Troy Millings [10:45]: "It's like a well. Yeah, it's like a smaller well, essentially."
Labor and Expertise
The discussion highlights the importance of hiring skilled agronomists and leveraging local expertise to navigate the complexities of farming operations.
Troy Millings [07:17]: "So you have to talk to people. You have to. Like, some people are not going to be as good, you know, you just got to kind of get out there."
Cultural Impact and Community Support
Local Collaboration and Assistance
Troy shares his positive experiences with the local community in Kenya, emphasizing their willingness to help and share knowledge. This collaborative environment significantly reduces the learning curve for new farmers.
Troy Millings [07:30]: "They don't want you to mess up. You know what I mean?"
He recounts instances where local farmers provided practical advice and hands-on assistance, fostering a supportive network crucial for farming success.
Cultural Warmth and Integration
The hosts discuss how the cultural warmth and openness of the Kenyan community contribute to a conducive environment for farming, making it easier for newcomers to integrate and thrive.
Troy Millings [07:53]: "It's so welcoming, right? It's warm."
This sense of community ensures that even those unfamiliar with farming can receive guidance and encouragement, enhancing their chances of success.
Challenges in Farming
Water Management Complexities
One of the primary challenges discussed is managing water resources effectively. Setting up reliable irrigation systems is vital to ensure consistent crop yields, especially given Kenya's climatic variations.
Troy Millings [09:52]: "So a borehole is like a well, right? So it's basically they're digging into the ground and, well, first you have to get like a water analysis to see if there actually is water there."
Wildlife and Ecosystem Management
Farming in Kenya also involves navigating interactions with local wildlife, such as hyenas, giraffes, and zebras. Balancing farming activities with ecosystem preservation requires strategic planning and sustainable practices.
Troy Millings [12:10]: "There's a way to farm and not completely like ruin the ecosystem, but become a part of it."
He discusses methods to protect crops from wildlife without disrupting the natural habitat, ensuring coexistence between farming activities and the local ecosystem.
Insights and Conclusions
Farming as a Lucrative Business Opportunity
The episode underscores that agriculture in Kenya is not only viable but highly profitable, thanks to favorable land prices, fertile soil, and strong community support. Farming provides a stable and lucrative income, especially when leveraging local expertise and sustainable practices.
Importance of Community and Knowledge Sharing
A recurring theme is the critical role of community support and knowledge sharing in farming success. Engaging with local farmers and experts can significantly enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
Sustainability and Technological Integration
Modern farming in Kenya integrates technology and sustainable practices, dispelling the misconception that farming is backward. Sustainable water management, soil preservation, and eco-friendly pest control are essential components of successful farming operations.
Notable Quotes
- Troy Millings [02:51]: "This is a sure fire."
- Troy Millings [07:30]: "There are no dumb questions because I asked tons of questions and they're just so willing to help."
- Troy Millings [05:18]: "It's Africa. It's like you throw a seed in the ground and stuff just grows."
Conclusion
Earn Your Leisure’s episode on building a farm from scratch in Kenya provides a thorough exploration of the agricultural landscape, highlighting the immense potential and profitability within the sector. By blending financial insights with real-world experiences, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings illuminate the pathways to successful farming ventures in Kenya. The episode serves as an inspiring guide for entrepreneurs looking to explore agriculture as a viable and rewarding business opportunity.