Farming sparked Joshua’s second act: guiding new growers

From classroom to farmland: a life reimagined

At nearly 70 years old, Joshua Okundi has transformed his life and land in western Kenya. Once a respected deputy head teacher, Joshua made the decision to leave teaching and pursue farming full-time—a move rooted in both personal vision and deep conviction.

Since then, his life has been far from simple. Living with a disability caused by polio and still healing from the trauma of losing his son to violence, Joshua has chosen not to be defined by grief or limitation.

“Disability is not an inability. I have got the ability. I can do it.”

That belief has carried him through hardship and led him to create a farm that not only sustains his household but serves as a learning hub for others. His journey from education to agribusiness is rooted in resilience, and his farm reflects both the challenges he’s overcome and the purpose that drives him.

Starting small—and scaling with irrigation

When Joshua began farming, his production was limited by the lack of irrigation. He relied on manual watering and farmed only a small area.

“Before the pump, I was only farming a small piece of land. After getting the pump, I’ve added more.”

Everything changed when he started using a KickStart MoneyMaker Max Pump. With it, he was able to increase his vegetable production and make plans for further expansion.

“Now I have about half an acre of vegetables. I want to expand to one acre, two acres, three. I want to become a commercial farmer.”

His vision is clear. Joshua wants to grow more than vegetables—he wants to build a productive agribusiness that offers opportunity not just to himself, but to others around him. His diversified farm includes fruit orchards with mangoes, oranges, and pawpaw. He also runs a nursery where he grafts and raises up to 10,000 seedlings each year, selling them at about $1.55 apiece.

“I get orders from people in Tanzania. Sometimes I take my vehicle … go and deliver, then come back.”

Through smart irrigation and careful planning, his farm now supplies markets far beyond his village.

Teaching the next generation with practical tools

Joshua’s farm is more than a business—it’s a training ground. He regularly hosts students from high schools and universities, giving them hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture. These students learn about soil health, organic farming methods, and crop management—all from someone who has built his knowledge through practice.

He sees this work as essential—not just for his community, but for preserving knowledge.

“You know, it would be very bad [not to share] when I have a knowledge which I need to propagate,” he said.

He dreams of building simple cottages on-site where young people can stay, learn, and cook local meals while being immersed in practical farming. He believes learning should be lived—not just taught—and that when students see the results firsthand, they’re more likely to take agriculture seriously as a career.

Building a farm—and a mission

Joshua’s approach is rooted in self-reliance. He practices organic farming, using compost and natural pest control methods like chitonia and aloe vera. His farm is low on chemicals and high on sustainable practices, combining traditional knowledge with practical innovation.

“When I got the opportunity of these pumps, then I started working. How could I make it? Because always, I believe that when an opportunity comes, you need not postpone it.”

His goals stretch beyond the boundaries of his own land. He hopes to expand his nursery operations, support Kenya’s 15 billion tree-planting initiative, and help younger farmers access resources like planting bags and irrigation tools. He also wants to create jobs in his area by hiring youth and teaching them how to manage nurseries, tend vegetables, and use simple technologies like the KickStart pump.

A future rooted in knowledge and growth

For Joshua, farming is not just about profit. It’s a way to empower others, restore dignity, and contribute to a greater national goal—including planting more trees to support Kenya’s climate and land restoration efforts. His vision is clear: expand the tree nursery, improve irrigation, and help young people see farming not as a fallback, but a future.

Joshua’s journey shows what’s possible when experience meets opportunity. With a pump, a plan, and a passion for teaching, he’s building more than a farm—he’s building a legacy that grows with every seedling and student he supports.

Help grow what works

This June, your gift will go twice as far. A generous match will double your impact—bringing tools like the MoneyMaker Max Pump to more farmers like Joshua. >> Donate now!