Farmers in Nyandarua, Nakuru and Laikipia are being encouraged to switch to a variety of arrowroots that can grow on ordinary farmland, in a move aimed at protecting wetlands while giving farmers another source of income.
The variety, known as Dasheen, requires less water than the traditional arrowroots commonly grown in swamps and marshy areas. It can also do well on upland farms, making it an option for farmers dealing with drying rivers and unreliable rainfall.
Conservationists David Warui and Francis Mathaai say growing the variety away from wetlands could help reduce pressure on areas that provide habitats for wildlife, including migratory birds.
Warui, who is associated with Cranes Conservation Volunteers, says the traditional practice of planting arrowroots in wetlands has contributed to the loss of habitats for aquatic species and the endangered Grey Crowned Crane.
He is encouraging farmers to consider Dasheen instead, noting that it allows them to continue growing arrowroots without having to clear or cultivate sensitive wetland areas.
Unlike the indigenous variety, which requires marshy conditions and takes between nine and 13 months to mature, Dasheen can grow in upland and moderately wet soils. It is ready for harvesting within five to eight months.
Farmers can also improve production through organic soil enrichment and farming methods that require less labour. These practices can allow them to harvest more than once while making better use of their land.
The shift is being supported through a project funded by the UK-based Rufford Foundation in partnership with Cranes Conservation Volunteers. The initiative provides farmers with technical support and equipment to help move arrowroot production away from wetlands.
Local farmers Judy Wambui and Cleris Musa say the variety is changing the way they view arrowroot farming, particularly the belief that the crop can only grow in swampy areas.
The initiative is aimed at giving farmers a way to maintain arrowroot production and earn from the crop while leaving wetlands undisturbed.
Wetlands provide important habitats for birds and other wildlife, making their protection a key part of the conservation efforts behind the project.