Nakuru County is taking proactive steps to modernise its agricultural sector, with a strong emphasis on boosting vegetable and crop production and facilitating commercialisation.
This initiative recognises the critical role of agriculture in the face of climate change and aims to enhance food security and livelihoods.
The county today partnered with the Cereal Growers Association-Farm to Market Alliance (CGA FtMA) program and experts from MASHAV (Israel Agency for International Development) to provide training in cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
Agricultural officers and selected Farmer Service Centers (FSCs) are the initial beneficiaries of this training, equipping them with the skills to improve vegetable farming practices.
These trained officers, Deputy Governor David Kones said and FSCs will then play a crucial role in disseminating this knowledge to other vegetable farmers through skills transfer programs and establishing vital market linkages.
This cascading effect aims to significantly improve productivity and income for vegetable farmers across the county.
As part of the programme, the team visited a farmer in Njoro sub-county who successfully cultivates a variety of crops, including broccoli, kale, avocado, tree tomato, and also engages in beekeeping.
This visit provided a valuable opportunity for hands-on experience and demonstrated the potential for diversified and sustainable farming practices.
Kones said improving vegetable farming is crucial in the context of climate change for several reasons: Climate change is disrupting traditional agricultural practices, leading to reduced yields and increased food insecurity.
He emphasised that cultivating vegetable farming, particularly through climate-smart agriculture techniques, can help ensure a stable and nutritious food supply. Vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, crucial for a balanced diet.
Currently, climate change has brought more frequent and intense droughts, floods, and lack of vegetables in the county. Hence, diversifying crops and adopting resilient farming practices, such as water conservation and drought-resistant varieties, can help farmers adapt to these challenges and minimise losses.
Vegetables, often having shorter growing cycles than staple crops, can provide a more flexible and adaptable farming system.
A resident of Njoro Julius Mwaniki said by increasing productivity and market access, improved vegetable farming can significantly boost farmers’ incomes and improve their livelihoods.
This is particularly important for smallholder farmers, who are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Noting that increased income allows farmers to invest in further improvements and build resilience.
Also, he said sustainable vegetable farming practices, such as reduced tillage, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, can help protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
These practices contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change. Efficient water management in vegetable farming is also crucial in the face of increasing water scarcity.
Kones reiterated that vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, providing vital nutrients that can improve human health and well-being. Hence, promoting vegetable consumption can contribute to combating malnutrition and diet-related diseases, which are exacerbated by climate change impacts on food systems.
The Nakuru County initiative, with its focus on training, technology transfer, and market linkages, is a vital step towards strengthening vegetable farming and building resilience in the face of climate change.
By empowering farmers with the necessary skills and resources, the county is paving the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future.
