Smallholder farmers across Kenya could significantly boost their income by embracing modern technology in their production processes. According to Agriculture Secretary James Wanjohi, this can be achieved through collective acquisition and sharing of equipment via cooperatives and producer associations, thereby reducing individual investment costs. Wanjohi made these remarks in anticipation of the upcoming Africa International Agricultural Expo 2026.
The Africa International Agricultural Expo 2026 aims to showcase cutting-edge technologies in key areas such as harvesting, processing, irrigation, and post-harvest handling. Additionally, participating financial institutions, including the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC), will provide farmers with various financing options. Wanjohi emphasized that successful technology adoption requires complementary extension services, technical support, and reliable markets to ensure that farmers reap tangible benefits.
The Kenyan government is promoting value addition, packaging, and branding to enable farmers to move beyond selling raw agricultural commodities and meet international market quality standards. Wanjohi noted that there is a significant push by the government to encourage farmers to add value to their products, thereby increasing their earnings. This initiative aligns with the expo's objectives of supporting farmers in enhancing their products and accessing global markets.
Chinese companies will participate in the expo, showcasing equipment suitable for Kenya's agricultural environment, such as small tractors and specialized technologies. According to Flacko Wang, Director of Market Development at Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition Limited, these technologies can help farmers improve productivity and undertake processing before exporting their products to international markets.
The expo will also feature companies utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, which can be applied to farm planning, access to agricultural information, and management of farm operations. Wang highlighted that AI can provide farmers with instant information, solving basic queries without requiring them to seek assistance. This technology has the potential to significantly enhance farming efficiency and decision-making.
Last year's expo saw the showcase of at least 10,000 agricultural machinery and technologies. Tito Mutai, Chief Executive of Agri-Africa Exhibition, called for stronger collaboration between international technology suppliers and Kenyan manufacturers to promote local assembly and technology transfer. This would enable Kenya to develop its own equipment manufacturing capabilities over time.
The Africa International Agricultural Expo 2026 will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, technology companies, equipment manufacturers, financial institutions, government agencies, and other agricultural value chain players. The event aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, partnerships, and business opportunities that can drive growth and development in Kenya's agricultural sector.
Key points
- Smallholder farmers in Kenya can increase their income by adopting modern technology and participating in cooperatives and producer associations.
- The Africa International Agricultural Expo 2026 will showcase cutting-edge technologies and provide financing options to support farmers in enhancing their productivity and competitiveness.
- The Kenyan government is promoting value addition, packaging, and branding to enable farmers to access international markets and increase their earnings.
