Residents of Kiandutu slums in Thika have been encouraged to venture into sack farming as a way of ensuring that there is a regular supply of food in the area.
Thika West sub-county Deputy Agricultural Officer Beatrice Mugo speaking in her Thika office on Wednesday, said that sack farming was becoming a popular method of farming in many slums in Africa and urban areas.
"Sack farming is becoming increasingly popular with slum dwellers and in urban areas generally. It is a way that can help fight food insecurity in a big way," said Mugo.
Mugo noted that apart from ensuring food security, sack farming is also going to help residents eat healthy.
"In about five to ten sacks one can plant enough varieties of vegetables like sukumawiki, spinach, dhania, onions and many others with each having its unique health benefits," she said.
She stated that it is also a way of reducing unemployment as serious sack farmers can produce enough for their families and be left with enough to sell to their neighbours.
The officer noted that some of the vegetables do not come from very clean areas saying that sack farming would properly address that.
"It is easy to do sack farming. You just need to fill sacks with soil, manure or fertiliser and some pebbles to facilitate drainage. Then plant you vegetables of choice on top," she said.