By Nneka Nwogwugwu
A public-private partnership initiative targeting 4,000 farmers in Nakuru, Kenya has been activated to scale up adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices.
The beneficiaries, who are women and youthful farmers living within Mau Ecosystem are being trained on application of improved farm practices coupled with the planting of high yield and climate resilient seeds in the programme jointly rolled out by the Green Belt Movement, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the County Government.
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.
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, Kenyan news reports that 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.
Agroforestry is a land-use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland.
It helps to improve soil fertility, soil structure, retain soil moisture, protect the crops and increase crop yields.
“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.
She was flanked by County Director for Environment, Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ms Grace Karanja and County Director for Gender and Culture Ms Selina Nkatha.
