An agricultural expo held in Tharaka-Nithi County has called on young people to embrace farming and utilise available land to create employment and contribute to food security. The inaugural Kilimo Kraft Innovations Africa Agricultural Expo, held at Kairuni Stadium in Maara Constituency, brought together farmers, agricultural institutions, input suppliers, and other stakeholders. The event aimed to change the perception that agriculture is a dirty and less rewarding career.
The expo's founding director, Chris Kimathi, emphasised the need to attract more young people into farming to sustain food production. He noted that the average age of farmers in Kenya is estimated at about 70 years, making it necessary to deliberately encourage young people to take up agriculture. Kimathi, a civil engineer by profession and a beekeeper, shared his experiences with young people in the community, highlighting the opportunities that agriculture can provide.
Kimathi urged young people to identify challenges in their communities, acquire relevant skills, and return to apply the knowledge in solving local problems. He encouraged farmers to make productive use of available parcels of land, saying lack of rainfall should not discourage people from engaging in agriculture. The expo showcased innovations aimed at turning agricultural waste into economic opportunities, including making sanitary pads from banana fibre.
County veterinary officer Denis Nyamu said the Tharaka-Nithi County Government was working with farmers to improve livestock production through affordable artificial insemination (AI) services. The county was focusing on improving livestock breeds according to the different ecological zones. Nyamu urged farmers to prepare for the rainy season by producing and preserving adequate fodder, particularly through silage.
Chuka University representative Pamela Apuko said the institution was collaborating with farmers to provide students with practical agricultural experience while equipping them with skills that could help address unemployment and food insecurity. The university offered various agriculture-related courses and was involved in research and discussions on climate change and its effects on farmers, gender, and the environment.
The expo also featured organisations promoting seeds suited to different weather conditions, including varieties that could perform well under high rainfall conditions. Bayer East Africa sales agronomist Denis Munene said farmers were being trained on how to identify certified planting seeds and distinguish them from counterfeit products. Farmers who attended the expo welcomed the initiative, saying it provided an opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and learn about new agricultural technologies.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) used the expo to sensitise farmers on seed certification, plant health, and laboratory testing of agricultural inputs and produce. The event was a success, with farmers interacting with officers from KEPHIS and learning about the importance of seed certification and plant health services. The expo will be held annually to provide farmers with opportunities to interact with agricultural stakeholders and acquire practical skills.
Key points
- Young people are being urged to take up agriculture to sustain food production amid concerns over the ageing population of farmers.
- The expo showcased innovations aimed at turning agricultural waste into economic opportunities.
- The event provided farmers with an opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and learn about new agricultural technologies.
