Nakuru: Israel is committed to agricultural technology transfer to Kenya to boost food production and mitigate the effect of climate change, Israeli Ambassador Gideon Behar has said. Ambassador Behar emphasized his country’s commitment to supporting the Kenya Government’s initiatives on innovative agricultural technologies towards boosting productivity, empowering smallholder farmers, and positioning Kenya as Africa’s agribusiness hub.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ambassador Behar stressed the importance of adopting smart and precision farming technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and climate-smart solutions, to boost yields, reduce waste, and mitigate the effects of climate change. The envoy spoke during his visit to a facility set up by the County Government of Nakuru in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders-Israel (EWB-I) to train farmers on manufacturing high-protein animal feeds from locally available alternatives.
The facility, based at the Agricultural Training Center (ATC), provides techniques on rearing Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSF), farming Duckweed and Azolla, and processing them into animal feeds for cattle, sheep, goats, fish, pigs, and poultry. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services, Mr. Leonard Bor, noted that feed contributes to about 60-70 percent of the total production costs on a farm and that locally available alternatives, if embraced, will significantly improve household incomes for thousands of farmers in the region.
Mr. Bor highlighted that the initiative also trains youth and women groups on cultivating Spirulina, a supplement in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) School feeding programs. He emphasized that protein is the most expensive component of animal feed, accounting for 70 percent of production costs. By tapping into protein alternatives, the cost of livestock farming will be drastically reduced, improving the profitability of smallholder farmers.
Spirulina, often referred to as algae, is a nutrient-dense aquatic microorganism used as a food supplement to combat malnutrition. Mr. Bor stated that Spirulina’s high protein levels and beneficial vitamins make it perfect for treating malnutrition and an essential element of meals at early childhood development centers.
The partnership with the Middle East nation promotes climate-smart and locally adapted technologies for food security in Nakuru County, offering practical solutions to combat high feed costs, support sustainable agriculture, and enhance productivity. EWB-I, an Israeli organization, consists of engineers and technical professionals who volunteer their skills to support humanitarian projects worldwide.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSF) farming offers a sustainable solution to support the environment and food systems. Mr. Bor indicated that BSF larvae, rich in protein, serve as an ideal feed source for livestock. The larvae thrive on organic waste, converting it into nutrient-dense feed and producing frass, a natural soil enhancer that provides a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
Ms. Michal Dolev Hashimhony from EWB-I emphasized that BSF farming presents an accessible opportunity, particularly for women and youth with limited access to land and capital. The use of BSF frass as an organic fertilizer reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, supporting efforts against climate change.
Duckweeds and Azolla are also potential sources of protein for livestock. Ms. Hashimhony explained that duckweeds can grow quickly in water bodies, extracting large quantities of nutrients. Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern, serves as an economic and efficient feed substitute for livestock due to its high protein content and easy cultivation.
Ms. Hashimhony concluded that Azolla’s composition makes it highly digestible for livestock, contributing to its promising role as a feed substitute. The initiative is expected to positively impact local economies by creating employment opportunities, particularly in farming and kitchen activities.