Over the years, there has been a growing demand for organic food produce among Kenyans. Nutritionists say this trend, has been fuelled by the need for healthy eating due to underlying health conditions or change in lifestyle changes. Dennis Andaye, the Founder and marketing specialist at the Organic Farmers Market defines organic food as food grown or farmed without the use of artificial chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified organisms (GMO’s).
Speaking to iwomantoday, Dennis mentioned that organic foods contain fewer pesticides while chemicals such as synthetic fungicides, herbicides and insecticides that are used in conventional agriculture remain in the foods we eat, organic foods contain fewer pesticides.
“While such chemicals have been deemed safe in the quantities used for conventional farming, health experts still warn about the potential harm of repeated exposure.” he said.
Dnnis, explained how the concept of selling organic produce through the Organic Farmers Market was developed after his battle with myositis a condition that causes inflammation of the muscles. He aims to provide enlightenment in areas of food, as the right foods provide nourishment to the entire body.
“Eating organically brought back my health and ignited the desire to set up a platform where people can easily learn the importance of eating organic food.” He said.
In order to ensure the authenticity of organic products retailed at the Organic Farmers Market, he visits farms to test soil fertility, checks pest control methods and examines the growing process employed in farming.
“Organically produced foods represent a small but rapidly growing share in the Kenyan food market at Organic Farmers Market, we are keen on promoting organic agriculture in the country.” Dennis said.
Peter Kamanu is a retailer at the Organic Farmers Market. His journey with organic farming and retailing started more than forty years ago.
According to Kamanu, there is a huge difference in the taste of organic and conventional foods, and this largely depends on the process of farming.
“I resorted to growing vegetables and fruits through techniques such as crop rotations and use of compost, animal manure and green manure. Most consumers often report the great quality in the fruits and vegetables that I farm.” Kamanu said.
Noting that he consumes part of his produce and sells surplus to the locals, the 70 year old farmer said he cannot recall when he last he fell ill and that he operates on the principle of eating healthy.
“If food is produced the right way, then the environment is taken care of and so is the human species.” Kamanu said.
Jane Randoll has seven years of experience in organic birds rearing, like Kamanu, she agrees that the taste, color of egg yolks and shells of the free-range birds are usually distinct.
As a commercial organic bird farmer, she has observed that organic eggs are healthier and contain more nutrients compared to battery eggs that are produced through battery farming where chickens are raised in intensive conditions for egg production. Organic eggs are hormone and GMO (Genetically modified organisms) free and use natural methods such as aloe vera to prevent diseases. “Organic products have about fifty percent more Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated healthy fats.” she said.
Randoll started rearing birds organically, when she noticed the huge demand for healthy eating in Nairobi and its environments.
Nicole Ndolo, has been practicing organic eating for five years. The self-proclaimed organic foods advocate said it is possible to live a healthy lifestyle even within Nairobi, where there are many restaurants and supermarkets retailing conventional foods.
She supports organic farming because it has a smaller carbon footprint, conserves and builds soil health as well as replenishes natural ecosystems for cleaner water and air, all without pesticide residue. Ndolo also dismissed the belief that organic food is expensive.
“People say organic food is boring and expensive hence it is for the rich people, but I say it is the best option one can go for.” she said.
Ndolo urged consumers to invest in understanding their food sources and process of production. “If you are trying to reduce exposure to chemicals and embrace healthier ways of eating, organic is a good choice, but one has to research that green does not mean organic. Organic farming relies on natural principles, like biodiversity and composting, to produce healthy, abundant food.” she said
By: Moffin Opilio
