A major push is underway in Western Kenya for farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, with experts urging a decisive shift from traditional methods to boost yields and safeguard food security against a changing climate.
The call came during the recent Agribusiness Expo and Trade Symposium held at Kibabii University, an event themed “climate smart technologies and practices for sustainable food systems.” The symposium served as a critical platform, showcasing innovations that promise to revolutionize farming in the region.
The Power of Drought-Resistant Seeds
Gerald Masila, Executive Director of the Eastern Africa Grains Council (EAGC), highlighted the need for farmers to switch to drought-resistant crops, stressing that it is the most effective strategy to combat the erratic weather patterns caused by climate change.
“When you walk in our demonstration plots at Kibabii University, you realize that there are plots have fared on with low water supply,” Masila noted, pointing to the superior performance of the new seed varieties.
Beyond climate-smart seeds, the expo showcased a holistic approach to climate resilience that integrated several key practices including minimum tillage and Conservation Agriculture to improve soil health; Water Harvesting Solutions to secure a reliable supply; technologies designed to minimize evapo-transpiration from the soil; advanced Pest and Disease Management techniques to protect crops; and innovative Solutions for Post-Harvest Losses to ensure a greater amount of harvested grain reaches the market.
Margret Juma, a farmer from the region, shared a stark personal revelation saying that she previously harvested only one sack of maize from an entire acre of land, attributing the poor performance to her use of traditional seeds.
“Initially, I used to select seeds from what I harvest and store for the next planting,” she admitted. “But from the knowledge I have gained here, I will be buying seeds from certified companies and shops for better performance and those that are drought resistant.”
Ms. Juma is now confident that the newly acquired knowledge on seed selection and farming technologies will significantly boost her yields, potentially tripling her harvest.
Felix Muchieka, an Agriculture student at Kibabii University, echoed this enthusiasm, applauding the expo for providing practical, hands-on lessons in new farming technologies. He also encouraged young people to view agriculture as a viable and critical employment opportunity.
Masila further stressed that EAGC’s mission extends beyond the farm gate. As a council of grain traders, processors, and warehouse owners, EAGC is working to ensure that the adoption of climate-smart methods translates into a robust and profitable grain value chain for its members.
In a crucial environmental effort to mitigate climate change effects, EAGC is also partnering with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to restore the Mt Elgon ecosystem. The expo, which reached over 2,000 farmers, showcased a wide array of innovations from precision agriculture tools and digital platforms to organic and synthetic farming solutions, giving farmers and agribusiness actors a comprehensive toolkit to enhance productivity and sustainability.
“Our mission is that at the end of this expo, farmers would come out with good knowledge of what seed to select and when they go out to their farmers they will know the right thing to do in improving their yields,” Masila concluded. The clear message is that the future of farming in Western Kenya is green, smart, and highly productive.
