Ms. Rose Gachanja, the Farmer Field Officer from Biovision Africa Trust attended the Sowing sustainability Symposium by Africa Voices. The attendance was through the ANFEA-LDF project that aims to promote selected agroecology farming practices to enhance food and nutrition security, strengthen access to markets and improve resilience of livelihoods by smallholder farmers specifically women and youth in Kitui and Nakuru counties of Kenya.
The ANFEA-LDF Project is being implemented under the auspices of the Africa Union Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative, which Biovision Africa Trust has steered alongside over 30 partner organizations since 2012. Through meticulous coordination and strategic planning, the EOA Initiative has left indelible marks of progress across ten African countries, touching the lives of small-scale farmers and youth. With pillars firmly rooted in research, knowledge dissemination, value chain development, and policy advocacy, the initiative embodies a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture.
The symposium was organized by Africa Voices, a dedicated Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), at the forefront of integrating citizen voices into key development processes across Africa. By ensuring that grassroots input is central to policy and practice, Africa Voices contributes to effective social change and accountable governance. The organization’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that development efforts are responsive to the real needs of the communities they serve.
Stakeholders convened to explore collaborative strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change. The discussions emphasized the role of Africa Voices in leveraging its broadcasting platform to educate and empower farmers on sustainable agricultural practices. The symposium served as a crucial platform for exchanging ideas on how to scale up climate-smart initiatives in Kitui County, a region that stands to benefit greatly from such efforts.
Ms. Rose Gachanja, Farmer Field Officer from Biovision Africa Trust, led discussions on the various Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices being implemented in Kitui County. These practices include agroforestry, conservation agriculture, water harvesting, soil fertility management, crop diversification, integrated pest management, and sustainable livestock management. The symposium highlighted the need to scale up these practices through community mobilization, capacity building, partnerships, and enhanced market access for farmers. Such efforts are essential for building resilience against climate change and ensuring food security in the region.
The Kenya Forest Service in Kitui underscored the importance of agroforestry as a key strategy for environmental conservation and community self-reliance. The promotion of tree planting, particularly the Melia volkensii (Mukau) tree, was emphasized due to its adaptability to Kitui’s climate and its economic benefits. Agroforestry not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers a source of income for local communities, making it a vital component of the region’s development strategy.
Representatives from the Environmental Conservation Department of Kitui County reviewed several policies aimed at promoting environmental conservation. Among these were the County Charcoal Management Policy, the Duka Moja Miti Tatu Initiative, and the Boma Moja Miti Ishirini Policy. These policies encourage responsible environmental practices and are designed to enhance community self-reliance. By promoting sustainable practices, these policies help to protect the environment while also improving the livelihoods of the residents.
A representative from the National Council of Churches in Kitui discussed the crucial role of religious institutions in promoting environmental stewardship. The symposium highlighted the spiritual responsibility of caring for creation and the importance of encouraging harmonious living with the environment.
The symposium concluded with a strong collective commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change in Kitui County. Participants emphasized the importance of community involvement, policy support, and collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development and environmental conservation goals. The event provided a valuable platform for diverse stakeholders to strategize on scaling up climate-smart agriculture practices, underscoring the critical role of knowledge dissemination and community engagement in these efforts
Prepared by Rose Gachanja
