Extension and Project Officers trained on Plant Tea

Extension and Project Officers trained on Plant Tea

Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE), in collaboration with extension staff from its implementing partners—the Bungokho Rural Development Center and the Mount Elgon Agroforestry Communities Cooperative Enterprise—has successfully conducted an intensive training on the preparation and use of plant tea.

The training aimed to strengthen technical capacity among extension and project officers while promoting seedling health, sustainable farming practices, and improved soil fertility across the Mount Elgon region. Participants were equipped with practical knowledge and hands-on skills that they will cascade to farming communities within METGE’s programme areas.

What Is Plant Tea?

Plant tea is an organic bio-fertilizer made from locally available plant materials. It is increasingly being adopted by smallholder farmers as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. By harnessing natural nutrients, plant tea improves soil health while reducing dependence on expensive external inputs.

Training Focus Areas

During the session, participants received both theoretical and practical instruction covering:

• How plant tea is formulated
• Types of plant materials used in preparation
• Step-by-step preparation processes
• Correct application methods for different crops

The training also explored the science behind plant tea, highlighting how it restores soil fertility, enhances crop resilience, supports beneficial soil micro-organisms, and contributes to long-term land productivity.

Why This Training Matters

Strengthening the capacity of extension and project officers is critical to delivering effective farmer support services. With improved technical knowledge, trained officers are now better positioned to:

• Demonstrate affordable, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers
• Guide farmers in utilizing locally available resources to improve soil fertility
• Promote climate-smart agricultural practices that boost productivity while restoring degraded landscapes
• Scale up organic farming innovations across METGE’s operational communities

This initiative reinforces METGE’s commitment to regenerative agriculture, sustainable land management, and climate-resilient farming systems.

Benefits for Farmers and Communities

If widely adopted, plant tea has the potential to significantly transform agricultural productivity and resilience in the Mount Elgon region. Key benefits include:

• Improved soil fertility: Replenishes essential nutrients and enhances soil microbial activity
• Higher crop yields: Healthier soils lead to stronger plants and better harvests
• Lower production costs: Made from freely available materials, reducing expenditure on commercial fertilizers
• Increased climate resilience: Improves soil structure and moisture retention, helping crops withstand drought and climate shocks
• Environmental sustainability: Reduced chemical use protects biodiversity and prevents contamination of water bodies

Through capacity building and innovation, METGE continues to support farmers with practical, locally driven solutions that improve livelihoods while safeguarding the environment.