West Pokot Farmers Urged to Adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture

Key Highlights

• Governor Simon Kachapin calls on farmers to embrace climate-smart practices to boost food security and incomes.
• Annual West Pokot Agricultural Show and Trade Fair showcases modern farming innovations.
• Small-scale farmers encouraged to maximize small plots using sustainable methods.
• County government promoting local livestock feed production and water conservation.
• Youth urged to view farming as an income-generating venture and source of employment.
• Partnerships with World Bank and other partners enhancing access to tools and technologies.
• Farmers, leaders, and residents hail the exhibition as a valuable platform for learning and empowerment.

Governor Champions Sustainable Farming Practices

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has urged local farmers to embrace climate-smart agriculture as a pathway to food security, income growth, and resilience against climate change.

Speaking at the Kishaunet showground in Kapenguria during the official opening of the county’s three-day Agricultural Show and Trade Fair, Governor Kachapin praised exhibitors, agriculture officials, and partners for making the event a success.

He noted that this year’s theme—“Promoting Climate-smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth”—reflected the urgent need to adopt modern and sustainable farming methods.

“You don’t have to own vast land or have huge capital to succeed in farming. Even small plots can produce income when managed with practices such as mulching, organic fertilizer use, and poultry or vegetable farming,” he said.

The governor highlighted water conservation and local livestock feed production as priorities for his administration. He emphasized that initiatives such as rainwater harvesting ponds and fodder production will help farmers reduce dependency on external suppliers during drought.

Kachapin further encouraged young people to take up farming, saying agriculture offers immense opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

“Our farmers must be equipped with new farming methods that respond to today’s challenges. This is how we ensure both food on the table and money in the pocket,” he added.

Exhibition Praised as Eye-Opener

Deputy Governor Robert Komolle lauded the exhibition as an educational platform for the community, emphasizing that it was designed to empower rather than serve political interests. He also praised the governor for ensuring that entry costs remained affordable for local residents.

County Agriculture CECM Wilfred Longronyang urged farmers to apply lessons learned at the exhibition within their communities, saying that replication of knowledge would improve food security and reduce poverty.

Local leaders, including MCA Esther Serem of Siyoi Ward, also commended farmers for their hard work and encouraged them to continue showcasing their innovations.

Farmers Share Experiences

Farmers and residents who attended the event described it as a turning point. Teacher David Lokorio said he was impressed by climate-resilient seeds, organic fertilizers, and bio-pesticides, noting they could significantly raise productivity.

Farmer Omwenga Maranga praised modern tools and technologies that boost yields, while Judith Kitelemoi expressed excitement at seeing incubators and vegetable-growing techniques suitable for small plots.

The event demonstrated how climate-smart agriculture, when combined with innovation and knowledge-sharing, can help West Pokot farmers increase productivity, enhance resilience, and secure better livelihoods.