Trans Nzoia County Champions Climate-Smart Agriculture at 2024 Kitale Agricultural Show
Trans Nzoia County kicked off the 2024 Kitale Agricultural Show with a strong focus on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable trade practices.
Deputy Governor Philomenah Kapkory, speaking on behalf of Governor George Natembeya, highlighted the county’s commitment to boosting food security and adapting to climate challenges through innovative farming techniques and enhanced market access for local farmers.
The event was officiated by Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomenah Kapkory, who read a speech on behalf of Governor George Natembeya. The Governor emphasized the importance of agriculture as the backbone of the county’s economy and the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices in response to climate change.
The theme of this year’s show was “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
Trans Nzoia County plays a significant role in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. “We are proud to be the highest maize producer in the country, contributing about 40% of the national production,” stated Kapkory.
“This positions our county at the heart of national food security, and we have no choice but to invest heavily in enhancing productivity.”
The Deputy Governor noted that the county’s favorable climate and fertile soils have made it a critical player in Kenya’s agricultural sector, but challenges posed by climate change are threatening this status. She pointed to increased instances of drought, flooding, and the emergence of pests and diseases, which have disrupted both agricultural productivity and local livelihoods.
“The frequency of prolonged dry spells, floods, and other extreme climate events has increased over the last four decades,” said Kapkory.
She outlined some of the major environmental challenges in the county, including deforestation, poor agricultural practices, and over-extraction of natural resources. These issues, she said, are contributing to the degradation of ecosystems and adversely affecting the health and economic well-being of residents.
To mitigate these effects, the county has launched a number of initiatives. One of the key projects is the “One Million Trees” initiative, aimed at planting one million trees annually to combat deforestation and restore ecological balance.
“Our administration has put in place climate change mitigation measures that will help safeguard our environment for future generations,” she said.
Kapkory also discussed the impact of emerging agricultural pests and diseases, such as the Fall Armyworm and Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease, which have affected crop production. Livestock diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease have also been a persistent challenge for farmers.
“These issues have led to the overuse and misuse of agricultural chemicals, with potentially harmful health effects,” she warned. The county government is working to address these challenges by educating farmers on the safe use of chemicals and adopting integrated pest management techniques.
The show provided a platform for farmers to learn about modern farming techniques that can help them adapt to these challenges.
“This show is an opportunity to access the latest technologies, network with experts, and establish business linkages that will transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial and market-oriented farming,” Kapkory added.
Kapkory also highlighted the county’s efforts to improve access to agricultural inputs for vulnerable farmers, referencing the “Fukuza Njaa” (Eliminate Hunger) Initiative.
“Through this program, we distributed 2kg of quality seeds to 153,000 vulnerable farmers, which resulted in an additional 300,000 bags of maize during last season’s harvest,” she noted.
To further boost productivity, the county has implemented a crop and livestock diversification program. Farmers are being encouraged to plant alternative high-value crops like sunflowers, avocados, and macadamia, while also investing in poultry and dairy farming.
In partnership with the national government, the county has also developed a sunflower production program, which has already seen 25,000 kg of sunflower seeds planted on over 8,000 acres.
Kapkory noted that the county is also nearing completion of several key agricultural infrastructure projects, including a chicken slaughter facility in Matisi Ward, which will have the capacity to process 1,200 birds per hour.
Additionally, two milk processing facilities are being built to support dairy farmers, one with a capacity of 16,000 liters per day.
The livestock sub-sector has been another key focus of the county’s efforts. “We’ve employed 13 livestock production officers and 16 veterinary officers to boost extension services,” Kapkory explained.
Through the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project, the county has trained animal health assistants and supported farmers with 5,000 day-old chicks to boost poultry production.
Vaccination efforts have also been ramped up, with over 60,000 heads of cattle vaccinated against foot and mouth disease. Additionally, the veterinary department has recharged 50 communal cattle dips to control ticks and other pests.
The fisheries sub-sector has made significant strides in recent years. “We now have 1,939 aquaculture farmers producing 7,437 tons of fish annually,” said Kapkory.
The county is helping to expand this sector by providing quality fingerlings, constructing additional fish ponds, and offering fish harvesting equipment to local farmers.
Kapkory stressed the need for trade initiatives to support agricultural growth. “Trade is critical in ensuring our farmers’ produce reaches the market, and we are working with the national government to establish the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP), which will boost farmers’ bargaining power,” she announced.
The CAIP, which is being developed in partnership with the national government, aims to provide a centralized hub for processing and marketing agricultural produce, ensuring that farmers can get fair prices for their products.
In her concluding remarks, Kapkory reiterated the county government’s commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural and trade practices. “Together, we can champion climate-smart agriculture, support our farmers, and drive initiatives that foster sustainable economic growth,” she said.
The DG also encouraged visitors to take the time to explore some of Trans Nzoia’s tourist attractions, noting that the county is not just an agricultural hub but also a destination with untapped tourism potential.
The 2024 Kitale ASK Show will continue throughout the week, featuring exhibitions, demonstrations, and networking opportunities aimed at advancing the county’s agricultural sector.
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