Agricultural exhibition seeks to tackle climate change

Farmers and Exhibitors showcase their products to dignitaries led by Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo during the inaugural Vihiga agricultural exhibition and conference held at Hamisi Stadium on April 30, 2024. (Brian Kisanji, Standard) Vihiga County is seeking to build the resilience of smallholder farmers to avoid the diverse negative effects of climate change. This emerged during the county's inaugural Agricultural Exhibition and Conference organised by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in collaboration with other partners. The event was held in Hamisi Constituency where hundreds of farmers sought to learn from exhibitors who pitched tents at the venue. Most farmers were concerned about tackling the challenge of climate change and enhancing food security through the adoption of technology farming and value addition. The event attracted tens of exhibitors including established farmers and cooperate bodies. Exhibitors showcased various farm produce, farm animals, artifacts, machinery, value-added products, demo farms, fodder, aquaculture, various seeds, seedlings, apiculture, climate-smart farm technologies, soil testing and sampling among others. The exhibition themed "Integrating Agri-business and Technologies to Build Resilience and Diversity for Improved Livelihoods" lasted for two days with farmers learning a lot on smart farming. "We have been able to show farmers how best to do farming without so many losses and it was all based on modern technology," said Julias Astiva, one of the exhibitors who showcased best storage practices for seeds and grains. Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo said the exhibition aimed at showcasing the impact of training and capacity building on moving from subsistence farming to agri-business through smart farming. Dr Ottichilo has urged farmers to focus more on climate-smart agriculture, Regenerative Agriculture, Value addition, and use of Aggregation Centres. "The exhibition done by the Department of Livestock and Fisheries has been successful and it helped us bring together panelists, partners, facilitators and specialists to interact with our farmers across the county," said Ottichilo. The farmers were able to learn how, through Climate-Smart Agriculture when effectively adopted, it enables individuals managing the agricultural systems to respond effectively to the inevitable changes in climate conditions including the unpredictability of rainfall and prolonged droughts that affect farming. "Climate change is within us and it is upon us to also adapt faster to its effects and avert further crisis in the field of agriculture," said Ottichilo. Dr Ottichilo, a specialist in Climate Change matters, also urged farmers to revert to conservation agriculture and the use of organic fertiliser as one way of improving soil fertility for better harvests. He has tasked the Department of Agriculture to consider organizing the event annually and on a rotational basis across all the Sub Counties. During the exhibition, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Agriculture, Nicholas Kitungulu said they aim to move agriculture entrepreneurship beyond the farm gate. "We want to build on value addition and through engaging our farmers we can be able to easily achieve that," said Kitungulu. The Chief Officer in charge of Agriculture, Dr Betty Mulianga said the county seeks to modernise technology transfer pathways and build resilience in the agricultural food system in the face of climate change. The county will also do co-creation in the agriculture food system, and create food and nutrition diversity with the use of agroecological practices for sustainable livelihoods. "The agriculture sector is growing very first and if we can involve the modern science, we can be able to utilise special skills and equipment to maximise on production," said Dr Mulianga. The event brought on board seed and fertiliser companies, farmers cooperatives, financial institutions, and Non-governmental groups focusing on agriculture.

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