Nairobi: The drought spell being witnessed in various parts of the country is a wake-up call for Kenyan farmers to start embracing Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). A shift to climate-smart agriculture will not only address food security and climate change but also ensure farmers cushion themselves from crop losses and greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Kenya News Agency, in the recently concluded Rongo Expo show organized by Migori County and its agricultural partners, a shift to Climate Smart Agriculture was not only advocated but also demonstrated by every exhibitor. With more than 100 exhibitor stands at the Rongo Stadium, modern farming technologies, climate-smart innovations, and value-chain solutions were practically showcased to residents and farmers.
The second-ever annual agricultural exhibition to be held at Rongo Sub County lived to this year’s theme of ‘Transforming agriculture through innovation, climate-smart technology and sustainable value chains for enhanced food security and prosperity,’ that aligns with the county blueprint of making Migori food secure.
According to the Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Lucas Mosenda, the growing participation of farmers and exhibitors in this year’s Rongo expo demonstrates the importance of partnerships and knowledge-sharing in transforming Climate smart agriculture into a reality. Mosenda said the county has recruited nearly 65 agricultural extension officers over the past three and a half years, while more than 200 agri-entrepreneurs are working alongside the extension team to support Migori farmers through providing relevant and up-to-date policy frameworks and tools, designing climate change adaptation plans and supporting access to climate finance.
An Agronomist from Kuria West Sub County, Raphael Mwita, explains the Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) model, as sustainably medium that increases productivity, enhances resilience, and climate change mitigation, with the intention of contributing positively to food security and development goals of a nation. Mwita emphasizes the importance of irrigation systems to counteract unreliable and unpredictable rainfall patterns, suggesting drip irrigation for short-season crops like beans and vegetables.
Mwita, who has also trained over 1000 youths through a programme sponsored by a body known as Afrihub Limited, says that youths have started to embrace farming as a means to solve unemployment and address climate change. Currently, Mwita has been given a task to train 15 youths from Kuria West Sub County on climate-smart agriculture by the government through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
Organic Green System Cooperative from Rongo Sub County is a youth group organization that deals with grafted fruits production. Mr Fred Odhiambo, an official from the group, highlights the benefits of grafted fruits that mature quickly, thus saving costs. The organization is also promoting Hass Avocado for export, encouraging youth engagement in agriculture due to the available market.
Ms. Ruth Akoth, a farmer from Uriri Sub County, shares her success story after adopting smart farming technologies. She tests her soil’s PH and uses organic fertilizers, resulting in healthier crops with better market acceptance. She advocates for frequent agricultural forums to provide necessary support and knowledge to aspiring farmers.
Meanwhile, Peter Chacha, an official from Ikerege United Sacco Society, champions poverty reduction through agriculture. He encourages farmers to embrace Climate Smart Agriculture to create wealth and drive the county’s economic growth.
Assistant County Representative-Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)-Migori official Hamisi Williams calls for increased innovation and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure food security. FAO remains committed to supporting sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in partnership with various entities.
