Farmers in Vihiga County were on Tuesday empowered through sensitisation on the importance of agroecology and biodiversity conservation during a Field Day held at Kitumba Primary School in Mungoma ward.
The Field Day was organised by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT under the Biodiversity for Resilient Ecosystems in Agricultural Landscapes (B-REAL) project, implemented in partnership with CGIAR and supported by the Government of Canada.
The event brought together farmers and other stakeholders to showcase practical innovations aimed at conserving biodiversity while improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Key discussions focused on the role of community seed banks in promoting conservation of diverse seed varieties to enhance food security, nutrition and household incomes.
Participants interacted with representatives from community seed banks in Vihiga, Kabudi, Nyando and Mumias East.
Farmers were trained on traditional seed preservation methods, selection of clean and healthy seeds, and the importance of indigenous and orphaned crops that are resilient to climate change.
The B-REAL project’s three impact pathways were also highlighted, with emphasis on integrating biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health and climate resilience into agricultural landscapes; strengthening an enabling environment for sustainable and equitable biodiversity management; and promoting inclusivity in access to and benefit-sharing of biodiversity genetic resources among women, youth and marginalized communities.
Demonstrations during the Field Day included the use of seed storage jars, mechanical threshers and cleaners, as well as sustainable forage options to support improved dairy production.
The initiative promotes a nature-positive approach through the use of organic inputs, support for native species, aggregated farming and strengthened agricultural value chains.
In Vihiga County, the approach is contributing to improved soil health, enhanced food security and climate change adaptation.
The project aligns with the Vihiga County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027, which prioritises sustainable agricultural production, food and nutrition security, climate change adaptation and farmer empowerment through improved technologies and value addition.
By Rose Wasike
