Farmers in Rift Valley have pledged support for the measures developed by the government and other players in the agriculture sector to boost food security.
The farmers from the dairy and crop production sectors said they are ready to adopt new technology and market information that will enable them to boost production while leveraging on support from the government and other players.
Hundreds of the farmers attended the Kenya agri-business and food security forum 2023 held at Tarakwa grounds in Uasin Gishu where they were trained on various issues affecting food security in the country.
Farmers’ representatives Paul Korir, Joseph Mutai and Jane Melly said efforts by the government and private sector to help farmers increase production were bearing fruit.
“Through such training programmes we benefit as farmers because we have been able to access crucial information on all aspects of farming including how to control crop and animal diseases," Melly said.
Peter Mutinda, CEO of Saya Events International said they had partnered with Tarakwo dairies owned by local farmers to host the training for farmers in the region with a key focus on how to boost food security in the country.
“This is an important forum for the farming community in this region because they have been trained on many aspects including crop protection, animal health, feeding and feeds, genetics and also housing for livestock," Mutinda said.
Mutinda said agriculture contributes the largest part of the country's economy and is a solution to food security challenges in the country, unemployment and other aspects in the agriculture sector
“Through the training, the farmers have been able to explore the latest trends and innovations in agriculture, and network with industry experts and also fellow agri-preneurs. They have also learned about new strategies to boost the growth of agri-business," Mutinda said.
Those who participated included agriculturalists, agri-entrepreneurs and startups, technology providers, horticulture and dairy farmers among others.
Mutinda urged farmers to implement what they learned at the training and use the knowledge to enhance food production and hence help to grow the country’s economy. He said with increased food production the country will not face recurrent famine in some regions.
The government has in the last year stepped up support programmes to help farmers increase production through initiatives like the distribution of subsidised fertiliser
Uasin Gishu was recently ranked the best county in supporting the agriculture sector through policies and programmes that help farmers increase yields.
The country has recorded a growth of more than 30 per cent increase in maize production this year.