In the arid landscapes of Bute in Wajir County, one farmer is redefining what is possible in drought-prone regions.
Suleiman Maalim Omar, popularly known as Mzee Suleiman, has turned his JUFA Multipurpose Farm into a thriving example of climate-smart, diversified agriculture, challenging long-held assumptions that farming cannot flourish in arid lands.
JUFA Farm produces a wide range of fruits and crops, including mangoes, pawpaws, oranges, lemons, and vegetables, alongside beekeeping, fodder production, and dairy farming.
This diversified approach has strengthened household incomes, improved food security and reduced vulnerability to climate shocks in the surrounding community.
“This farm is called JUFA Multipurpose Farm because it produces five different types of products,” said Mzee Suleiman.
“We also do beekeeping and harvest a lot of honey, and we make hay for our dairy cows.”
The transformation of JUFA Farm has been supported by the County Government of Wajir through the construction of the JUFA mega dam and the provision of continuous agricultural extension services.
The dam now supports irrigation for about 50 farms in the area and benefits more than 5,000 families.
“We started this initiative before devolution, but when devolution came, it helped us with more development,” Mzee Suleiman noted.
“The dam helps us irrigate farms across this region, and everyone is benefiting. Women are selling produce at the market, youth are earning income through labour, and families have more food.”
As droughts persist across northern Kenya, the success of JUFA Farm is enabling communities in Bute to diversify their livelihoods beyond traditional pastoralism.
The shift has increased self-reliance while creating new economic opportunities for women and young people.
County agricultural officers say JUFA Farm now serves as a demonstration site for climate-smart agriculture, showcasing how irrigation, diversification, and farmer training can unlock the productive potential of arid and semi-arid lands.
Mzee Suleiman believes the model can be replicated across Wajir and other ASAL counties with the right mindset and support. “Our land has potential,” he said.
“With a positive mindset and support from the county government and development partners through training and capacity building, we can grow more, diversify our livelihoods, and secure our food future.”
JUFA Multipurpose Farm stands as clear evidence that devolution, coupled with community initiative and climate-smart practices, can drive meaningful agricultural transformation, even in the remotest parts of Kenya.