Nairobi: Farmers, agricultural stakeholders, government officials, development partners, and agribusiness companies gathered at the Ematete Agribusiness Centre for the fifth Ematete Agribusiness Farmers Field Day. The event aimed to promote climate-smart agriculture, innovation, and sustainable agribusiness development.
According to Kenya News Agency, the field day, held under the theme ‘Enhancing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agribusiness Innovation,’ attracted hundreds of farmers from across the county. Participants had the opportunity to engage with agricultural experts, explore modern farming technologies, and learn practical approaches to improving productivity while adapting to climate change.
Vihiga County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Betty Mulianga, presided over the event, urging farmers to embrace climate-smart agricultural practices to safeguard food production amidst unpredictable weather patterns. She emphasized the importance of agriculture to the county’s economy and encouraged the adoption of improved seed varieties, efficient water management technologies, and modern production methods to increase yields and incomes.
Mwibona Ward Member of the County Assembly, Zakayo Manyasa, advocated for viewing farming as a business rather than a subsistence activity. He highlighted the potential of agribusiness to create employment opportunities, improve household incomes, and strengthen food security. Manyasa also called on young people to venture into agribusiness, citing opportunities in crop production, livestock farming, value addition, and agricultural marketing.
The event featured exhibitions by agribusiness companies and agricultural organizations, showcasing improved crop varieties, livestock products, certified seeds, farm machinery, irrigation technologies, and climate-smart farming innovations. Farmers demonstrated practical farming techniques, allowing participants to observe and learn best practices for improving productivity and resilience.
The Cereals Growers Association (CGA), led by Benson Omukhago, emphasized its efforts to strengthen cereal production through farmer training and promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices. Omukhago encouraged farmers to adopt improved technologies, diversify farming enterprises, and enhance market access through strengthened producer organizations.
Seed Co representatives, led by Benjamin Kidigi, showcased certified and improved seed varieties to help farmers increase productivity and adapt to climatic changes. Kidigi educated farmers on the benefits of using certified seeds, proper crop management practices, and selecting crop varieties suited to different ecological zones.
The field day fostered partnerships between farmers, government agencies, private companies, financial institutions, and agricultural organizations, focusing on market access, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and agribusiness innovation. Participants expressed appreciation for the practical knowledge, new technologies, and market information gained during the event.
The event concluded with calls for continued collaboration among government, development partners, research institutions, private sector players, and farming communities to accelerate agricultural transformation, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable food production in Vihiga County.
