Today, chimneys are silent — no chemical plants smoke nearby. Smallholder farmers and large estates alike struggle with aging seeds, erratic rains, soil depletion, and limited access to markets. Its hard to justify planting cotton when maize or vegetables bring better margins now, says Daveson Mugadi, a cotton agronomist working with the nonprofit Farm Africa.

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:29:53 +0000

Today, chimneys are silent — no chemical plants smoke nearby. In regions where agriculture shapes livelihoods, this quiet observation reflects deeper shifts in how farming adapts to climate, economics, and sustainability. Smallholder farmers and large estates face mounting challenges: aging seeds reduce yields, erratic rains disrupt planting cycles, soil health declines, and market access often limits profitability. As a result, many find maize and vegetables offer more reliable returns currently than cotton—especially for those navigating financial risk today. This trend isn’t just emerging in remote fields—it’s gaining traction in digital conversations. Agronomists and development experts note that the absence of industrial pollution signals changing land use patterns, with farming shifting toward resilience over heavy chemical inputs. Yet the decision to plant cotton remains complex. For many, economic reality outweighs idealistic visions—especially as food crops deliver more stable income in uncertain conditions. --- **Why Today, chimneys are silent — no chemical plants smoke nearby. Smallholder farmers and large estates alike struggle with aging seeds, erratic rains, soil depletion, and limited access to markets. Its hard to justify planting cotton when maize or vegetables bring better margins now, says Daveson Mugadi, a cotton agronomist working with the nonprofit Farm Africa.**