Lodwar: Smallholder women farmers in semi-arid areas of Kenya are currently receiving training on Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies (CAS). This initiative, funded by a World Bank project worth Sh9.2 billion (USD60 million), is focused on the adoption of CAS and is implemented across several African countries, including Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, which has been spearheading the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project since 2021, the training is particularly relevant in light of the heavy rains the region is currently experiencing. The project, in collaboration with institutions like the Alliance of Diversity International, CIAT, and the Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), is addressing challenges like waterlogging, crop destruction from heavy rains, and pest management.
Julian Barungi, a program officer at ASARECA, explained that the training focuses on enhancing women farmers’ use of CSA technologies. The technologies, including cone gardens, shade nets, and bio-pesticides, are essential for adapting to the current climatic challenges, including the El-Nino rains. Barungi highlighted the specific problems these rains pose to vegetable crops, a key livelihood source for these farmers.
In Kenya, the focus is on groups like the Green Shade Women Farmer Group and Amazing Site Women Farmer Group in Machakos. Dr. Kizito Kwena, a Soil Scientist at KALRO, emphasized that climate change presents both challenges and opportunities. The training employs climate information for farm planning and crop livestock insurance as strategies to manage climate variability and change.
Kwena detailed the introduction of cone gardens, a new method for vegetable cultivation. These gardens, effectively utilizing vertical space, address land scarcity and drainage issues. The training also involves educating farmers on using natural methods to tackle pests and diseases, a crucial aspect given the current heavy rains.
Ruth Mutisya from Bio Vision Africa Trust noted the emphasis on practical training. The farmers are learning how to achieve higher yields using climate-smart technologies, water conservation, and sustainable production methods. Elizabeth Matheka, a farmer with the Green Shade Women group, attested to the benefits of the training, including improved food security and income levels through the adoption of CSA techniques.
The training program aims to empower smallholder women farmers with knowledge and skills in climate-smart agriculture technologies. This initiative is expected to enable them to train other community members, enhancing resilience and adaptability in the face of climate challenges.