Turkana farmers push for climate-smart agriculture to boost production

Farmers in Turkana have called for a shift toward climate-smart agricultural technologies to increase food production and build resilience against the effects of climate change.

Climate-smart agriculture refers to farming practices and technologies that sustainably increase productivity while enhancing the ability of communities to adapt to climate change.

These practices include efficient irrigation systems such as drip, flood-based, and sprinkler models—methods particularly vital in arid and semi-arid regions like Turkana, where farming is challenged by erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and high temperatures.

The farmers voiced their concerns during the launch of public participation forums on the Turkana County Agricultural Policy 2025, aimed at collecting views from stakeholders on a draft policy intended to guide the region’s agricultural development.

Hellen Amiiny, a farmer from Nawontos, urged the county government to consider constructing Tarach dam to support farming along the Tarach River in areas including Loritit, Abune, Kalobeyei, Ejem, refugee camps, and Choro farm.

“We all understand the benefits of climate-smart technologies in agriculture. They not only improve productivity but also increase farmers’ capacity to cope with unpredictable weather patterns,” Amiiny said.

Imo Moru, a farmer from Oropoi, highlighted the potential for large-scale crop production, citing the abundance of idle land in Turkana.

“Our county has plenty of land. If we utilise it well, especially with efficient systems like drip irrigation that conserve water, we can significantly increase output,” he said.

Kakuma ward administrator Hosea Ameripus raised concerns about whether the draft policy would attract significant investment in key agricultural hubs including Morulem, Turkwel, Katilu, and Napuu irrigation schemes. He stressed the potential for growing high-value crops such as sweet potatoes, groundnuts, cotton, and dragon fruits in suitable areas.

Farmers from irrigation schemes across Loima, Turkana West, Turkana South, and East subcounties including Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Letea and Lopur participated in the forum. Many highlighted the need for farm mechanisation to enhance productivity, which would allow farmers to diversify into livestock and other income-generating activities.

Isaac Muoki from World Vision Kenya suggested that the policy should incorporate social behaviour change communication to help bridge the gap between pastoralism and agriculture.

Daniel Ekai of Plan International emphasised the importance of setting standards for the supply and regulation of farm inputs to protect farmers from exploitation. He also called for the inclusion of safeguards to protect local communities.

Liz Ogutu, who led the policy consultation team, assured participants that their feedback would be integrated into the revised draft to make the policy more responsive to the needs of Turkana farmers.