Improving the adaptive capacity of farmers in Eastern Kenya
Vivian Atakos(CCAFS East Africa)
Scientists from the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) hold discussions with policymakers on tackling climate change and variability.
On 3 February 2016, scientists from the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) visited Wote, in Makueni County, Eastern Kenya and held discussions with county policymakers on how to adapt farming systems in the region to current climate change and variability. Guided by the Makueni County Integrated Development Plan: 2013-2017 and Kenya’s vision 2030, the scientists together with the policymakers identified entry points for future collaboration.
The scientists shared findings from previous research initiatives in the region supported by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and led by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). The research entailed participatory evaluation and promotion of integrated sorghum - legume technologies.
Read more about the trials: Intercrop innovations may help build resilience in semi-arid areas
The participants discussed the usefulness of the results, gaps (if any), stakeholders to involve in future initiatives, as well as suggestions of dissemination platforms that could be used to share the findings with the local community.
“Research on appropriate farming technologies including viable crop varieties and livestock breeds is central in helping Makueni achieve food security and alleviate poverty,” said Mrs. Jane Nzesya , Chief Officer for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in Makueni County, who attended the meeting. Such knowledge can be disseminated to the local community, to encourage adoption, through community-based organizations and farmer groups, extension officers, mass media, mobile phones and manuals.
AgMIP seeks to adapt smallholder systems to climate change and variability through a stakeholder-driven, multi-modeling integrated assessment approach. The project team will continue to engage with stakeholders in Africa to design suitable adaptation packages for the region.
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Vivian Atakos is the Communications Specialist for CCAFS East Africa.
