Wajir:The government of Kenya is enhancing food security and livestock productivity in the country’s arid and semi-arid lands by promoting climate-resilient agricultural technologies. These efforts aim to address challenges posed by changing weather conditions and limited water resources.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) collaborates with farmers in Wajir County to test improved cowpea, pasture, and fodder varieties. This initiative is part of the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP), co-funded by the World Bank and the national government, with additional support from the County Government of Wajir.
At a demonstration farm in Kalkalcha West, Wajir West, KALRO researcher Beatrice Wanjiru Nganga is evaluating ten cowpea varieties to determine their suitability for the local environment. Nganga emphasized the importance of water quality, noting that many farmers rely on shallow wells containing saline water, which could impact crop performance.
The trials have shown promising results, with some cowpea varieties maturing in about 60 days, demonstrating their potential for dryland production. KALRO has also established cowpea demonstration sites in various wards to allow farmers to observe these technologies in action.
KALRO Agronomist Charles Muriuki highlighted that cowpea was chosen for its low rainfall requirement and adaptability to dry conditions, offering food, income, and soil fertility benefits. The short maturity period provides an additional food source before other crops are ready for harvest.
Farmer Halima Kahia, who started trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, reported good results from the cowpea trials, which will help determine the best-suited varieties for local conditions. Her farm also demonstrates improved fodder production to address feed shortages during dry periods.
Dr. Fred Kemboi from KALRO noted that inadequate pasture remains a constraint for livestock productivity. The organization is testing improved pasture and fodder varieties to support livestock under controlled production systems. These trials include grasses like Bush rye and Maasai love grass, alongside sorghum varieties for forage.
The initiative involves five demonstration sites in Wajir, where different varieties are evaluated. The county monitors these technologies to identify those suitable for wider adoption by farmers. This effort is part of broader government initiatives to enhance agricultural resilience and improve food and livestock production in regions affected by erratic rainfall and water scarcity.
