Eunice Ngoki, the Queen of Arrow Roots
At Ngurumo village, Ntakira Location, Meru, she is known as queen of arrow-roots. Eunice Ngoki is a member of Meru Jitegemee group. After training on agro-ecological farming and need to revive indigenous seed and crops, Eunice decided to specialise on arrow-roots among other crops that had disappeared in the community. It was a time that many believed arrow roots could only be grown along river banks, but this was not the case for Eunice.
With time, recognition of indigenous and traditional crops increased hence demand for these lost seeds rose. Eunice decided to specialise on production of arrowroot seeds in her community. Arrow roots have not only been part of her family diet but a source of income too. With a small portion of land (60 by 100m), Eunice makes approximately KES 1,600 ($20) a week from her farm. This inspired her to grow other varieties of indigenous and traditional crops and vegetables surrounding her house in a small portion of land.
“Der Mensch ist, waseribt”.-A man is what he eats. This phrase could not be truer if you have not met Eunice. She has managed to feed herself and her family with a variety of nutritious foods from her farm. At her age, she is still looking very hearty than most women of her generation. She has endured the test of time, What is her secret? Indigenous foods!
![\"Eunice](\"https://www.icekenya.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/blog-eunice-ngoki-queen-of-arrow-roots2-300x169.jpg\"){kind=icon}
Through the programme, the socio-economic status of women in Meru has improved as a result of having enough and diverse foods to feed their families. This is because women are more affected than men by hunger and malnutrition.
Therefore, in this international year of family farming, there is need to promote farming methods that are sustainable in terms of cost production (soil fertility) and easier to replicate. There should also be effective policies in place to enhance recognition and protection of variety of indigenous and traditional crops to reduce over reliance of fewer crops for food. This would go along in achieving MDG1 “eradicate extreme poverty and hunger”.
Story by: Hannah Kigamba
Samuel njuguna
March 19, 2016I’m impressed by the arrowroot farming where can I get arrowroots corms I’m at Kikuyu kiambu county my contact is 0722214185
Hannah Kigamba
August 22, 2019Kindly contact us via office number 0723684523 to link you with field person who can assist by linking with right farmers
Alfred
October 25, 2019Hi….he number goes unanswered.
Am interested to know if you assist in market research for arrow sales from a farmer bypassing brokers?
Jared
September 21, 2019I need new variety arrow root suckers,kindly assist
Mtumishi
April 20, 2016Hi i need good quality arrowroots on a weekly supply.Quote your price and quantity you can manage to supply every week.send me some of the nduma photos via whatsapp on 0727123696.
Irene onyango
April 27, 2016hi sijeny do still have have the arrowroots am in kisumu and would wish to buy.my no.0720310514
M. Otieno
June 1, 2016A selling 2 acres sukari f1 watermelon ready in a months time and 300 mature indigenous chicken for meat cocks kshs. 1000, hens kshs. 800 in kisumu . contact @ 0739947495
Catherine
March 19, 2020Hi can I get twice in a week am in Thika Town can I get the prices. My no. 0728564961
lilian
June 13, 2016hi guys i have plenty of arrowroots and sweetpotatoes if interested in buying contact me my number is 0716737003
Benard
December 9, 2018I have arrowroots seedlings in plenty and I’m for willing buyers.
ken
December 29, 2018kindly assist me with Eunice Ngokis contact we come from same county,am seriously inneed of arrow roots seedling and training.my no. is 0728846300
Hannah Kigamba
January 22, 2019Kindly call us via 0723 684 523 we link you with our contact person on the ground and you will be assisted
Sophie
February 17, 2019If you need more information what am I supposed to do. Thanks
Chebor
April 9, 2019I need arrow root seeds please contact me.no 0720201048 and advise on the best variety.
maryanne
August 22, 2019Hi am selling arrow roots if interested inbox me @0726845867
Sterry
October 2, 2019It’s very impressive.
Am need of arrowroots and sweet potatoes seeds.
Currently in Eldoret contact me through
0727512406
Michael Odhiambo
December 26, 2019So impressive we should embrace the traditional orphaned crops
Esther
January 16, 2020If you need any arrow roots and sweet potatoes,feel free to contact me via0718053077
FAITH ROP
January 26, 2020Nice info, Faith Nandi county
Peter Ariwo
February 13, 2020Please send me Ngoki’s mobile number I need some arrowroot seedlings
Wycliffe
February 27, 2020Looking for a good variety of nduma for planting in kirinyaga
William mbugua njoki
July 12, 2020IAM in kiambu and I have arrow roots if interested you can just contact me0707614063
Mercy
August 17, 2020Hi everyone, I need someone who can supply QUALITY arrow roots in Kitengela at a wholesale price. Whatsapp 0710749894
Josphat s m Mbungu
August 22, 2020Interested in arrowroot biz
Antony
October 20, 2020hello, i need to grow arrowroots in homabay i therefore need to know where i can get seedlings
James Odhiambo
November 3, 2020I have arrowroot in South Nyanza contact on 0711851230
Oscar juma
December 13, 2020I have arrowroots ready for harvest from now to January,2021.Am in Busia-Nambale Sub-County.My no.0793689244.