Farmers in Kenya are being encouraged to adopt technology in their agricultural practices to boost productivity, enhance agribusiness, and mitigate the impacts of climate shocks. This call was made by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe during the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Trade Fair in Nakuru, where he emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to engaging farmers in adopting new technological practices.
Kagwe highlighted that incorporating technology in agribusiness can help overcome marketing barriers, add value to agricultural products, and deliver efficient and transparent extension services. He noted that modern farming methods are key to making Kenya food secure, especially in the face of challenges such as shrinking land sizes due to population growth, poor yields, and food insecurity.
The Nakuru ASK Show, one of the oldest agricultural events in the region, has attracted over 180 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in farming technology. Kagwe underscored the importance of innovation in improving farming practices and increasing harvest yields. He encouraged farmers to diversify their crops to maximize income and emphasized the role of technology in driving agricultural growth, increasing farmer incomes, and fostering business opportunities, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Addressing climatic shocks, Kagwe stressed the need for innovative agricultural solutions to manage the impacts of population growth, climate change, and environmental challenges. He revealed plans to register farmers for technology use in areas such as soil analysis and throughout the farming season, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible inputs.
Kagwe expressed satisfaction with the recent embrace of agricultural practices by the youth and revealed plans to engage the Ministry of Education to align the future of young farmers with food security and production goals. He advised farmers to transition from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated farming due to erratic climate changes and assured them of government efforts to provide irrigation water through boreholes and water pans.
To supplement these efforts, Kagwe called on farmers to practice water harvesting and storage technologies for use during dry spells, which would improve crop yields and production reliability. He also advised farmers to shift to drought-resistant and early-maturing crops, as well as diversify to avoid over-reliance on a few crops at risk during drought.
The Cabinet Secretary hailed research and educational institutions such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organisation (KALRO) and Egerton University for developing climate-smart crop varieties and technologies. He further advised farmers to embrace value addition mechanisms to boost revenue generated from end products.
The Nakuru ASK Chairman, Dr. Perminus Migwi, echoed Kagwe’s sentiments, urging farmers to visit the showground and learn about emerging technologies in agriculture. This year’s theme, “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth,” highlights the focus on agribusiness and the use of technology to make agriculture more profitable.
Dr. Migwi encouraged smallholder farmers to adopt mechanized agriculture to improve efficiency and increase production. He noted that technological advancements like precision farming, mobile applications, and data-driven decision-making can help farmers optimize resource use and increase yields. He also advised farmers to embrace climate-resilient farming techniques to mitigate the effects of climate change and leverage digital platforms to connect with markets and access information on best practices.
The adoption of technology in agriculture presents significant implications for farmers and the broader agricultural sector. By embracing innovation, farmers can enhance their productivity, adapt to climate change, and improve their access to markets and information. This, in turn, can lead to increased incomes, food security, and sustainable economic growth. The Nakuru ASK Show serves as a platform for farmers to learn and adopt new technologies, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of evolving agricultural challenges.