Nakuru ASK Show maintains its theme as climate change bites

Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Show has maintained its theme for a second year running as the management insists that it is consistent with the realities of the day.

The show chairperson, Perminus Migwi said the theme “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth was still relevant due to the existing phenomenon of climate change and its effects.

He explained how the country has been suffering the effects of global warming with the recent cases being floods that left close to 400 people dead, property worth millions destroyed and thousands of people displaced.

Speaking during a pre-show visit, Migwi who was accompanied by members of the show management team said Kenya was recovering from the longest and worst drought in 40 years when the floods phenomenon struck.

“Nakuru experienced the worst case of floods in Maai Mahiu that left 61 people dead, scores injured and others displaced and the show management team found it important on the importance of practising climate-smart agriculture and environment-friendly development,” he said.

He explained that during the drought season, crop production was affected while dairy farmers and pastoralists lost their livestock due to lack of water and fodder.

“It is vital that farmers learn various technological initiatives that can help them in adapting to climate change and avoid using harmful chemicals that affect the environment,” he said

Migwi said that there were some pesticides and herbicides that were very harmful to the environment and the ozone layer thus causing excess UV-B on the ground surface.

He observed that Nakuru was the leading pyrethrum producer among other counties such as West Pokot, Nyandarua, Bomet, Kericho and Kisii which could be used as an alternative raw material for environment-friendly agrochemicals.

Migwi said farmers, businessmen and women as well as students from all levels will have great lessons to learn from the five-day show that opens its doors to the public on July 3.

He said the national show serves many counties in the region which include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Samburu, Kericho, Narok and a large part of Baringo.

He added that besides the technology lessons and business exposure, the show management had reserved a huge area for fun-fare and entertainment.