METGE Trains Extension and Project Officers on Plant Tea

METGE Trains Extension and Project Officers on Plant Tea

In a collaborative effort to promote sustainable farming and improve soil fertility across the Mount Elgon region, METGE—together with extension staff from its implementing partners, the Bungokho Rural Development Center and the Mount Elgon Agroforestry Communities Cooperative Enterprise—successfully conducted an intensive training on the preparation and use of plant tea.

Plant tea is an organic bio-fertilizer made from locally available plant materials. It is gaining popularity among smallholder farmers as an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. This training brought together extension officers and project officers from across the programmme, equipping them with hands-on skills and knowledge they can pass on to farming communities.

What the Training Covered

During the session, staff explored:

• How plant tea is formulated
• The types of plant materials required
• Step-by-step preparation methods
• Proper application techniques for different crops

Staff also discussed the science behind plant tea—how it restores soil fertility, boosts crop resilience, supports beneficial micro-organisms, and reduces reliance on expensive chemical inputs.

Why This Training Matters

Strengthening the capacity of extension and project officers is essential to improving farmer support systems. With their enhanced knowledge, officers are now better positioned to:

• Demonstrate low-cost and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers
• Guide farmers in using locally available resources to improve soil fertility
• Promote climate-smart agriculture that increases productivity and restores degraded landscapes
• Scale up organic farming innovations within METGE’s operational communities

This training reinforces METGE’s broader commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management.

What Farmers Stand to Gain

If widely adopted by farmers, plant tea can transform agricultural productivity and resilience in the region. Key benefits include:

• Improved soil fertility: Plant tea replenishes essential nutrients and enhances soil microbial activity, creating a healthier growing environment.
• Higher yields: Healthier soils and stronger plants translate into better harvests and improved household food security.
• Lower production costs: Since it is made from freely available plant materials, plant tea reduces farmers’ expenses on commercial fertilizers.
• Enhanced climate resilience: By improving soil structure and moisture retention, plant tea helps crops withstand drought and other climate stresses.
• Environmental sustainability: Reduced chemical use supports biodiversity and protects water bodies from contamination.