About 4,000 Farmers in Nakuru County in Kenya are set to receive Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) training.
The programme jointly rolled out by the Green Belt Movement, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the County Government. The beneficiaries, who are women and youthful farmers living within Mau Ecosystem will be trained on application of improved farm practices coupled with the planting of high yield and climate resilient seeds
Deputy Executive Director in Charge of Programmes at Greenbelt Movement, Ms Mercy Karunditu pointed out that the venture was part of efforts aimed at achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal number 2 of ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Technical know-how of farmers
The programme also intends to increase technical know-how of farmers on Climate-Smart Agriculture approaches, unlock market driven value-chains for youth and women and improve their capacity to participate in productive land and water management and increase the women in agribusiness’ access to finance.
Speaking during the opening of a capacity building workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture practices for farmer trainers, agricultural extension officers and agronomists Ms Karunditu pointed out that the most critical component of CSA which the targeted farmers were being encouraged to adopt is agroforestry which leads to improved productivity, less erosion and healthier ecosystems. It also restores soil health, which reduces the need for fertilizer while increasing incomes.
“Our current food production systems face an enormous challenge, made even more frightening by climate change. We must dramatically scale up CSA, an approach to food production that can improve productivity, increase resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agroforestry will also protect the crops from strong winds and pests. These beneficial roles of trees will help increase crop yields,” the Deputy Executive Director said.
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