Combating Climate Change Through Organic Farming
“In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness… That time is now.” – Wangari Maathai, Replenishing the Earth
At CESDA, we continue to amplify the voices of young researchers spearheading climate-conscious 
initiatives rooted in local contexts. One such promising researcher is Joyce Kopejo Naserian, a Kenyatta University student whose recent research project, titled ‘Combating Climate Change Through Organic Farming’, showcases the potential of grassroots environmental stewardship. By carrying out immersive fieldwork at Bomanoma Eco-Lodge and Charis Demonstration Farm as part of the the 12-week Acclimatise (www.aclimatise.org) Course, Joyce discovered that organic farming can be an effective way of mitigating climate change while promoting food sovereignty and community resilience.
Rethinking the Climate Crisis: Farming as a Climate Solution
Conventional farming practices, characterised by the heavy use of chemicals, monoculture and environmental degradation, have contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. In contrast, organic farming promotes ecological balance, reduces emissions and restores natural systems. Joyce’s fieldwork showed that, by reducing synthetic inputs and embracing regenerative techniques, organic farming can become a climate intervention strategy as well as an agricultural practice.
Research Methodology and Locations
As part her community engagement exercise under the CESDA acclimatise programme, 
Joyce visited two renowned organic farms in Kenya.
- Bomanoma Eco-Lodge, a community-centred, ecologically managed farm that promotes indigenous knowledge and agroecology. [https://youtube.com/shorts/rTaYZyQwCiE]
- Charis Demonstration Farm, a training hub for sustainable farming techniques and agro-enterprise development. [https://youtu.be/5NnpulUHzzU]
She conducted qualitative research by observing, documenting and engaging with farm managers and trainees to assess the environmental impact of organic practices in real-world settings.
Training and Community Engagement
Both farms served as learning centres, hosting weekly workshops and training sessions for local farmers, young people, and community members. These sessions combined theory with practical demonstrations to ensure that organic practices were adopted and replicated, not just studied.
Participants, ranging from aspiring young agripreneurs to elderly farmers, gained skills in composting, pest management, intercropping and seed selection. Joyce’s research documented how these training sessions empowered participants to transition from chemical-intensive farming to more sustainable methods.
Organic Farming: A Climate Solution Rooted in Community
Joyce’s research is a perfect example of CESDA’s mission to foster localised, youth-driven solutions that encourage climate action and support sustainable development across Africa. Her work shows that organic farming is more than just an alternative; it’s a regenerative approach that can be used to combat rising temperatures, restore degraded ecosystems and empower communities. Her findings confirm that climate resilience begins with healthy soil, empowered farmers and informed policies.
As CESDA continues to nurture this kind of research talent, we reaffirm our belief that Africa’s path to sustainability lies with its people, especially those who work directly with nature. We are proud to recognise Joyce’s achievements, and we are dedicated to supporting young researchers who transform theory into action.