Farmers have been challenged to embrace climate smart agriculture techniques to beat the adverse effects of climate change for food security.
Speaking during the World Food Day celebrations at Munanda Primaru School in Buuri, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy chief programs and partnerships officer John Kinoti said continuous farmer empowerment was vital for increased food production.
Various exhibitionists showcased their agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices at the venue.
This 2024 Wold Food Day theme is “Right to food for a Better life and a Better Future,”
Lewa’s community development department is implementing a Sustainable Agriculture program among all communities surrounding Lewa.
The program aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable development by leveraging extensive networks and expertise to address climate change adaptation and promote climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and sustainable land management.
“We must work together now more than ever to create sustainable food systems that can nourish every person on the planet while preserving the resources we all depend on, such as water. We are committed to doing our part through supporting all the farmers surrounding our conservancy,” Mr Kinoti said.
Lewa head of community Programme Lawrence Mutuma said they are engaging in a series of events and campaigns to raise awareness and mobilize support for the communities.
“We are collaborating with local farmers, schools, and non-profits to ensure that communities have the resources they need to produce food sustainably and manage water more effectively,” Mr Mutuma said.
Purity Kinoti said the exhibition which took place in a school offers a chance for pupils to get hands on skills and knowledge in agriculture.
Lewa has provided a borehole at Munanda primary school for the demo farms as well as use by 70 families nearby.
During the agricultural exhibition the over 30 industry stakeholders showcased various climate-smart technologies including conservation agriculture, soil health management, soil and water conservation, water management and water harvesting.
Others are drip irrigation technology, use of quality organic and inorganic fertilizers, use of certified seeds, drought-tolerant varieties, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), forestry and agroforestry, nutritious fodder, fodder conservation, animal health management, renewable energy, linkages with reliable markets, and post-harvest handling.
Farmer Peter Muriuki thanked Lewa Conservancy for the free skills he acquired at the exhibition.
“I was interested in learning about onions and cow rearing, because I am from an arid area. I am now informed on the best type of grass to grow and biogas construction. Such exhibitions shoild be done often in the rural areas,” Muriuki said.
