The New Face of Kenyan Farming Through Innovation

Agriculture industry is the second biggest contributor to the country’s economy. Before the   innovations, the sector faced multiple challenges that hindered its growth and development.

Being brought up in a small-scale farming home, I have grown to see different  large and small-scale farmers growing crops out and in seasons. Over the years most of them would use old traditions. One popular tradition was burning the crops residue and grass for quick and easy land clearing.

After a while of continuous burning of crop residue and grass to welcome the next planting season, the soil fertility goes down. According to Lena Oringa, an agricultural researcher, when soil is left bare after burning, it could lead to a lot of soil erosion. Burning residue and grass releases a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which contributes to global warming. As much as the practice has its short-term benefits, it has long-term harsh effects on the farm.

Innovations have introduced new technologies, improved farming practices and better market linkage, which has aimed at being the key to achieving food security and economic growth. The notable development includes:-

1. Bioherbicide Development:

Before innovations in pest and disease resistant crops, Kenyan farmers faced devastating outbreaks of pests and diseases like Army Worms infestations and other weeds like witchweed (Striga). A fungal bioherbicide,(Kichawi kill) was developed by Social Enterprise Toothpick in June 2023. Recently, over 12,000 Kenyan farmers significantly improved crop yield and reduced less associated with pest and weeds infestations.

2. Urban Farming Initiatives:

Space has been one of the challenges of urban agriculture due to oftenly densely populated population, leaving little to no room for agricultural activities. In Nairobi, urban agriculture is gaining traction as residents transform unused spaces into productive farms. For example, Jane Changawa,a resident in the Kawangware area converted her rooftop into a garden, cultivating organic vegetables using recycled materials. She was supported by the Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK), to contribute to food security and provide income sources in urban settings.

3. Combating Crop Pests with Genomic:

In the past, crop pests like whitefly destroyed crops like cassava which is a staple food in some regions. Laura Boykin,computational biologist and other researchers utilized genomics and supercomputing to tackle pests like the whitefly, by identifying genetic differences among whitefly species, these efforts have led to more effective pest management strategies.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration:

Farmers faced numerous challenges in accessing agricultural research and extension service, many being unaware of best practices in modern farming leading to inefficient use of resources, now they are increasingly adopting (AI) tool to enhance agricultural productivity.Virtual Agronomist and PlantVillage provide farmers with personalized location-specific agronomic advice through their phones via whatsapp, offering tailored advice on fertilization and pest control.

5. Agroecological practices and soil Health:

Due to continuous farming without proper soil management techniques, land degradation became a critical challenge in Kenya. In response to the said land degradation and food insecurity, Kenya has embraced agroecological practices that combine traditional knowledge with scientific research. Initiatives such as Mount Kenya sustainable landscape and livelihoods programme promote regenerative farming techniques, including the use of bio-fertilizers and biostimulants to restore soil health and bost food production.

6. Preservation of Indigenous Seed Varieties:

Farmers faced significant challenges in inquiring genuine agricultural inputs such as indigenous seed variety.The National Seed Bank, for instance, safeguards over 50,000 seed varieties, ensuring agricultural resilience.These traditional seeds have proven more adaptable to local conditions, promoting food security and offering alternatives to farmers facing issues with hybrid and counterfeit seeds.

These innovations reflect a concerted effort across the country to leverage technology and traditional knowledge in addressing agricultural challenges, thereby enhancing food security and promoting sustainable farming practices, all these addressing challenges such as pests, climate change, and urbanization.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-face-kenyan-farming-through-innovation-cbit–q06bf