Eastern Africa Grain Council Spurs Climate-Smart Technologies for Sustainable Food Systems in Kenya’s Coast Region

[Kwale, Kenya - August 8, 2024] - The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) in partnership with Kwale County, TradeMark Africa (TMA) through its USAID- Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) program, and Danish Industry, successfully hosted the Coast Region Agribusiness Expo today, bringing together key stakeholders in the agriculture sector from across the region. Held at KALRO Matuga, the event provided a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing innovative climate smart solutions aimed at boosting sustainable food systems in the coastal region.

The expo featured exhibitions from over 30 companies and agribusinesses, including local farmers, agro-dealers, financial institutions, and post harvest management technology providers such as KG Mills and Scales &Software. Farmers had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge agricultural technologies, high-quality inputs, and services designed to enhance productivity and sustainability in the grain value chain. The Coast Region Agribusiness Expo brought together over 1000 farmers and the leadership and exhibits from all six counties under Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Gerald Masila, the Executive Director of EAGC, emphasized the importance of the coastal region in Kenya's agricultural landscape. "The Coast Region Agribusiness Expo is a testament to the growing recognition of the region's potential in contributing to food security and economic growth. Through our mission of promoting structured grain trade in, we are committed to supporting farmers and agribusinesses in this region through initiatives that enhance market access, promote best practices, job creation and fostering sustainable development."

H.E.Josephat Chirema Kombo, the Deputy Governor of Kwale County, who officiated the opening ceremony, highlighted the county's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector. She noted that the county government is working closely with partners like EAGC to create an enabling environment for agribusinesses to thrive. "We are investing in infrastructure, capacity building, and policy support to ensure that our farmers can compete in regional and international markets, leveraging on cross border trade opportunities through the Lungalunga One Stop Border Post," said the Deputy Governor.

The expo also featured crop and livestock demonstration units, machinery displays, conservation agriculture, B2B meetings, and extensive farmer training sessions, including climate change adaptation, access to finance, and market linkages. Experts from various fields shared insights and offered practical solutions to the challenges faced by farmers and agribusinesses in the coastal region.

Farmers had the unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge innovations that are transforming agriculture in the region. Among the highlights were fire brooders, enhancing poultry farming by providing energy-efficient warmth for chicks, and Azolla production, a versatile resource used in chicken feeds, organic fertilizer, and even water purification. Water harvesting technologies, included the harvesting of runoff rainwater showcased alongside Zai pits and sunken beds, which optimized moisture conservation for arid climates.

The expo also featured demonstrations of the push-pull pest control method, which offered an eco-friendly approach to managing pests, and minimum tillage practices that promoted soil health. Emphasizing sustainability, organic production methods, agroforestry, and multi-storey crop production were spotlighted, as well as the precise irrigation control enabled by drip irrigation systems.

The expo's impact was amplified through the invaluable support of various development partners. Organizations among them; Micro Enterprise Support Program Trust (MESPT), Groots Kenya, Agribusiness Academy and Knowledge Centre (AAKC), Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC), Caritas Mombasa, Solidaridad, Hand in Hand and World Vision played a key role in showcasing their program interventions which have proven impactful to farmers. Participants lauded the expo for its role in bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice. "The knowledge and connections gained here today are invaluable. We look forward to implementing the innovative practices shared at this expo to boost our productivity and profitability," said Jackson Ndurya, the chairperson Kwale PAVI Farmers' Cooperative.

The Coast Region Agribusiness Expo 2024 marks another milestone in EAGC's ongoing efforts to strengthen the grain sector across Eastern Africa. The expo has successfully set the stage for future initiatives aimed at driving agricultural development and economic growth in the region, ultimately contributing to food security and economic development in the region.