MAKUENI CHAMPIONS AGROECOLOGY TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY AND RESILIENT FARMING

The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with development partners, on Wednesday held the Makueni Farmers’ Field Day at Kee Ward, bringing together more than 300 farmers for sensitization on agroecology farming practices aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and food security.

The field day, themed 𝘈𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘚𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘴, 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, brought together farmers, agricultural officers and stakeholders to showcase environmentally friendly farming methods that reduce dependence on harmful chemicals while improving farm productivity.

During the event, farmers were trained on the use of organic manure, mulching, crop rotation, intercropping, natural pest control and water harvesting technologies to improve soil health and conserve moisture.

Speaking during the field day, County Executive Committee Member Damaris Kavoi encouraged farmers to embrace agroecology practices, noting that the approach plays a key role in restoring soil fertility, conserving the environment and enhancing food production through safe and sustainable farming methods.

The event was attended by Chief Officer for Agriculture Japheth Kiminza, who noted that the adoption of agroecology practices would help lower production costs by reducing reliance on expensive farm inputs while improving yields and soil health. He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting farmers through strengthened agricultural extension services and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture across the county.

Key partners including Pelum Kenya, Biovision Africa Trust, Effective IPM Association, INADES-Formation and Agroecology Fund emphasized the need for farmers to embrace sustainable farming systems to enhance food security, improve nutrition and build resilience against climate change.