Small-scale farming plays an increasingly important role in addressing global food security. To support these farmers, there’s a growing focus on delivering efficient, climate-resilient solutions that boost productivity without inflating costs.
“Small farmers are increasingly turning to technology to increase yields, improve quality, and reduce costs. This impacts every part of their production process – including the equipment they use,” says Husqvarna East Africa representative Lorna Ochiel, who notes that this shift has also driven the development of equipment tailored to the realities of smallholder farming.
April marks the long rainy season in Kenya, making it the ideal time for land preparation, planting, and maximising agricultural efficiency. But for many small-scale farmers, the high cost of traditional machinery like large tractors makes it unaffordable.
That’s why practical, reasonable alternatives are so important – and it’s here where land preparation tools make a big difference. Designed specifically for small farms, these power tools offer the right balance of performance, accessibility, and ease of use to help farmers prepare their land and maximise yields.
Ochiel shares some examples of Husqvarna equipment engineered to support more efficient and effective day-to-day farming operations for small farmers.
1. Clearing overgrown land
Over time, bushes, trees, and tough grasses can take over unused land especially when rainfall patterns change or drought causes farmers to leave land fallow.
Clearing this land by hand takes time and effort, but with the right tools, it can be done quickly and safely. Equipment like brushcutters, chainsaws, and stump grinders can help clear thick vegetation and tree roots, making the land ready for planting again in no time.
2. Compact tractors for everyday jobs
While expensive, large tractors may be out of reach for most small-scale farmers, smaller ride-on models are becoming a popular alternative.
These compact tractors are more affordable, easier to operate and store, and can handle a wide range of jobs on the farm.
From mowing grass to preparing fields, attaching different tools makes these tractors useful throughout the year.
3. Preparing the soil
Healthy crops start with well-prepared soil. But digging and turning the land by hand can be exhausting and slow. That’s where motorised tillers come in.
These battery-operated machines break up the soil faster and more evenly, making it easier to plant. Some models work especially well on hard or dry ground, and they come with different attachments depending on how deep or wide you want to till.
4. Managing water during the rainy season
Too much or too little water can cause problems for crops. When the rains come, some fields may need to be drained, while others may need extra help with irrigation.
Portable water pumps help farmers move water where it’s needed – quickly and with less effort. These pumps are light enough to carry across uneven land and powerful enough to manage changing water needs.
5. Spraying for healthier crops
Pests and diseases can quickly damage a good harvest. That’s why regular spraying is important – but using manual sprayers over large areas is tiring and slow.
Battery-operated sprayers make the job easier, more consistent, and less onerous for farmers. When used with misters or dusters, they help protect crops more effectively, giving farmers one less thing to worry about.
With the long rains underway, small-scale farmers have a crucial window to prepare their land and set themselves up for a successful season.
Read also: Husqvarna: Water pumps – emergency saviours and everyday heroes
“The right equipment not only takes the strain out of daily tasks but also helps them make the most of every planting opportunity,” adds Ochiel.
“And as the demand for smarter, more sustainable farming grows, investing in reliable, fit-for-purpose equipment can make all the difference,” she concluded.
