Schools across Turkana are set to play a pivotal role in strengthening local food systems following the launch of a new initiative by the County Government called, Sustainable Approaches for Community Empowerment (SAPCONE), in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) seeking to connect classrooms with farms, while promoting climate-smart agriculture.
The initiative, unveiled during an agribusiness fair at the Katilu Citizen Resource Centre under the theme “Improving Local Food Systems Using Schools as a Catalytic Platform,” positions schools as drivers of agricultural growth, improved nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
At the heart of the programme is a home-grown school feeding model that prioritises purchasing food from local smallholder farmers. The approach is expected to create reliable markets for farmers, improve household incomes, and ensure learners receive fresh, nutritious meals produced within their own communities.
For many farmers in Turkana, where unpredictable weather and prolonged droughts continue to threaten agricultural productivity, the initiative offers an opportunity to strengthen resilience while opening up new economic opportunities.
Beyond improving food production, the programme aims to enhance market linkages, promote climate-smart farming practices, and reduce carbon emissions in schools through sustainable natural resource management and energy-efficient technologies.
County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation, David Maraka, said the partnership reflects the county’s commitment to building resilient food systems by empowering farmers with the knowledge, services, and market access needed to increase production.
“The Government is committed to improving food security by providing last-mile extension services, facilitating access to market linkages, and collaborating with development partners,” said Maraka.
He noted that equipping farmers with modern agricultural skills and connecting them to dependable markets would contribute significantly to sustainable livelihoods while enhancing food security across the county.
SAPCONE agronomist, John Kitui, said schools provide an ideal platform for stimulating local agricultural value chains because they create consistent demand for fresh produce.
“By linking school demand for fresh, local products with the supply from smallholder farmers, we are not only promoting agricultural development but also expanding market and economic opportunities,” he said.
He added that the initiative is designed to build a food system that benefits both learners and farming households by improving nutrition while creating sustainable income opportunities for local producers.
The agribusiness fair provided a platform for farmers, government officers, development partners, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge on sustainable farming technologies, climate resilience, and agribusiness opportunities that can support long-term food security in Turkana.
The event attended by the Assistant County Commissioner, Edison Nyachwaye, Director for Trade Winnie Loposh, Director for Irrigation and Land Reclamation Richard Lokoyan, Director for Early Childhood Development Education, Ezekiel Ichor, Director for Youth and Gender, Linus Namoe, Deputy Director for Agriculture, Esau Emmanuel, Deputy Director for Partnerships, Mike Aupe, and other senior government officials.
By Peter Gitonga
