Considerations for choosing a farm layout

A farm should be planned in a manner that increases the efficient utilisation of resources and yields more income at minimum cost. [Silah Koskei, Standard]

I am an ardent reader of your column. I recently acquired an eight-acre farm in Loitoktok where I plan to set up my retirement home and farm, which will feature a feedlot for a few dairy crosses. Kindly offer some tips on how best to lay out the farm. [Benson Wanyika,Taita Taveta]

Thank you Benson for reading Smart Harvest and for your question. All farms, big or small, can benefit from a well-thought-out layout of the structures and other farm components.

To achieve this, farmers must take a holistic approach that balances the needs of the land, crops, and animals with their own goals, preferences and the local laws on land use.

This can be a complex process, which is affected by many factors and considerations within and outside the farm, for example, soil quality, water availability and intended use, type of animal husbandry, available social amenities and public goods that may be of interest to the farmer.

A farm should be viewed as a collection of scarce resources that should be well organised in a manner that increases their efficient utilisation and yields more income at minimum cost.  

This can be enhanced by simply designing a farm in a way that utilises gravity and not pumping to move water around the farm or ensuring that manure from the dairy unit flows into a compost next to the garden. As you decide where to position these structures, be mindful of the farm’s security and biosecurity for the well-being of the animals.

Here are some factors to consider when laying out a farm.

Sloppiness (topography): This refers to the slope of the land, a measure of the vertical difference between the highest and the lowest part of the farm. This influences the drainage and elevation of other farm structures. If not well taken into consideration, you may experience problems like soil erosion later. If the farm is big, a topographical survey may be done to accurately get the slope to aid in the farm layout. Closely related to this, especially where one is venturing into crop agriculture is the soil type, whose analysis is critical. Even in livestock production growing your own fodder can help cut down the cost that comes from feeds.

Source of water and its storage: Any farm will require a steady quality water supply, which can be attained by having adequate storage tanks. If in an area with plenty of rain, consider having in place a water harvesting system. These tanks should be placed in a position where the water will be able to freely flow by gravity and is also secure from contamination. Underground tanks or small dams can be considered.

Fencing: A perimeter fence and additional paddocking will not only ensure security for the animals but will also facilitate efficient utilisation of pastures and can also play a role in keeping diseases at bay. The preferred fence type should not only control entry but also ensure the welfare of your livestock. Avoid barbed wire, which can easily injure animals and instead use wooden, chain link or bamboo fences.

Animal house location: The placement and design should be determined by the livestock species, the direction of the wind, and the level of protection from predictors needed. Goat and sheephouses should be located close to the farmhouse or that of the farmhand for easy and quick response in case of an attack as they tend to be easy targets for predators.

Feed storage: This will help you also make effective use of pasture by storing particular feed when in plenty in the form of hay or silage. Most importantly, consider how the feed will be transported. Feed storage structures should be rodent-proof, free from any contamination or moisture and far away from where chemicals are stored.

Your veterinary doctor and agricultural extension officials can provide further guidelines based on the exact type of farm you want to set up and your goals.

[Dr Othieno is a veterinary surgeon and currently the head of communications at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Kenya. The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of FAO; [e-mail]]