NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 9 — Irrigation and climate-smart agriculture took centre stage in Nairobi on Thursday as farmers, government officials, researchers, development organisations and faith-based groups explored ways to help communities cope with water shortages and changing weather patterns.

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking at the “Growing Together: A Showcase of Climate-Smart Agriculture” event at Mount Carmel Convent Farm in Lavington, Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Seychelles Gideon Behar said irrigation was among the most pressing agricultural needs facing Kenya and Africa.

“The issue of climate change is indeed here. Now, when I look at Kenya and Africa, I know that the most pressing issue in my opinion is really to move into irrigation,” Behar said.

The event brought together representatives from government, research and academic institutions, development organisations, the private sector, the diplomatic community and faith-based organisations. It featured presentations on climate-smart farming, a tour of the demonstration farm and the planting of fruit trees.

📌 What You Need to Know

Behar said agricultural technologies introduced to farmers should be practical and easy to understand, citing drip irrigation and Israel’s experience in water management.

“Every answer that we give must be simple. It must be an answer a farmer can understand. A farmer in Embu, a farmer in Kisumu… they must have access to simple solutions that change life,” he said.

Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau said agriculture remained a major government priority and linked food security directly to access to water.

“Food is life. Without water, there’s no food, there’s no life,” Wanjau said.

She said the event demonstrated the importance of collaboration between communities, development partners, the Israeli government and Kenya in addressing agricultural challenges.

Wanjau cited the Swahili proverb “Jiwe moja haliinjiki chungu” to underscore the need for partnerships.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya