West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has urged local farmers to embrace Climate-Smart Agriculture as a key pillar for food security and economic growth in the area.
Speaking at the Kishaunet show ground in Kapenguria constituency during the official opening of the annual three-day county agricultural show and trade fair exhibition, Governor Simon Kachapin emphasized the need for farmers to adopt modern, climate-smart techniques to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity and economic growth.
The governor extended his heartfelt appreciation to the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Irrigation, agriculture officials, guests, partners, and exhibitors for their contributions to the success of three-day Agriculture and Trade Exhibition.
Kachapin expressed satisfaction with the quality of exhibitions, which he visited personally, praising the efforts of the technical team and agriculture CECM in putting together a successful event.
“This year’s theme, ‘Promoting Climate-smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth,’ reflects the urgent need to embrace modern, sustainable farming practices,” he stated.
Governor Kachapin urged the public to fully utilize the available sizes of land adding that successful farming does not always require vast land or large amounts of capital.
“You don’t have to have a lot of money or a large farm to raise chicken or grow vegetables. Even with small plots, farmers can succeed by using natural methods like fertilizer and mulch,” he said.
He noted that the exhibition serves as a platform to showcase the importance of innovation in agriculture, especially in the face of climate change.
The governor highlighted that climate-smart practices enables farmers to earn more income from small-scale farming, thus improving livelihoods and enhancing food security.
“The world is changing, and our farmers must be equipped with new farming methods that respond to today’s challenges,” Kachapin said.
Governor Kachapin pointed out that agriculture holds great potential for youth employment and sufficient food supply.
He encouraged young people to actively engage in farming, not only to produce food for their families but also to create income-generating opportunities.
Photos by Anthony Melly.
“By involving the farmers, we can reduce malnutrition, ensure children eat a balanced diet, and promote the consumption of diverse food varieties,” he added.
The governor said the exhibition was not limited to showcasing crops and livestock but also aimed to equip attendees with knowledge and skills in modern farming and agribusiness.
“Traders have had the opportunity to learn how to improve their crops yields and conduct business more effectively,” Kachapin noted.
He also emphasized the need for water conservation, especially in arid regions, citing methods such as rainwater harvesting ponds that help farmers cope during dry seasons.
Governor Kachapin announced that his administration is actively promoting the local production of livestock feed such as hay and fodder to reduce farmer’s reliance on external sources, especially during drought.
He further acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the county government and development partners like World Bank, which, through the DRIVE Project, are helping farmers access better agricultural tools, technologies, and methods.
Deputy Governor Robert Komolle, who also attended the exhibition, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the educational value of the event.
“This exhibition is for the people of West Pokot. It’s not a political event, it’s a platform to educate, empower, and equip our people,” Komolle said.
He also commended the governor for making the exhibition accessible to the public at minimal cost, allowing more residents to attend despite economic hardships.
The CECM for Agriculture and Irrigation, Wilfred Longronyang expressed his sincere gratitude and shared his hopeful vision for the county’s future, one where it becomes self-sufficient in food production.
He emphasized the importance of a complete and balanced diet, and noted that those who attended the agricultural show and trade fair exhibitions gained valuable knowledge and practical education.
He encouraged residents who attended the exhibition to replicate what they learned within their communities, not only to enhance food security but also to create economic opportunities.
“If farmers replicate what they learned, they will put money in their pockets and contribute to strengthening that community, particularly in the fight against poverty,” CECM for Agriculture and Irrigation said.
Esther Serem, Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Siyoi Ward, praised the farmers for their hard work and commitment. She acknowledged the value of showcasing agricultural successes at such exhibitions and encouraged exhibitors to continue sharing their innovations and results with the wider community.
Teacher David Lokorio expressed great satisfaction with his visit to the West Pokot show exhibition, describing it as an enlightening and valuable experience.
“The event exposed him to a wide range of modern agricultural practices and innovations aimed at improving food security in West Pokot and beyond.
He strongly believes that the adoption of the new technologies will significantly increase food production in the region.
He expressed joy at the quality and different types of seeds supplied by SEDCO Company which are specifically suited for lowlands farming conditions, even West Pokot.
During the exhibition, he learned how to minimize the use of harmful chemicals in food production with emphasis placed on organic alternatives, such as natural fertilizers derived from animals, as well as homemade bio-pesticides from plants to control crop pests.
Lokorio is optimistic that Kenya and West Pokot County in particular can achieve food self-sufficiency, even amid changing climatic conditions through availability of fast maturing seeds and climate-resilient technologies.
He said his visit to the West Pokot exhibition was not only an eye opener but also inspiring.
A farmer, Omwenga Maranga said he attended the event with a clear objective to learn about agriculture and discover innovative ways to improve farming practices in his farm.
He noted that he was impressed by the fast pace of development in agricultural tools and methods.
“The technologies are enabling farmers to achieve higher yields, improving hence boosting food security and income levels,” he said.
He noted that with access to technologies such as innovations, farmers can become self-reliant reducing their dependence on external aid.
Judith Kitelemoi expressed her joy for this year’s agricultural exhibition, saying it has been very educative and she visited many stands thus learning many new things.
She said was very pleased with exhibitions of traditional and modern poultry farming, mentioning being impressed by seeing equipment like incubators that she has never seen before.
In terms of farming, she said she saw vegetables blooming, including those grown in mounds, something she found very easy for small farmers with a small area of land, enabling them to grow and sustain their lives.
The Agricultural and Trade Exhibition in West Pokot has served as a strong platform for promoting modern farming techniques, improving food security and showcasing the potential of climate-smart agriculture in the region.
The event drew praise from county leaders, guests and served as a reminder that even small-scale farmers can thrive with the right knowledge and support.
By Anthony Melly
