More than 100 exhibitors have converged in Rongo for the second annual agricultural expo, showcasing modern farming technologies, climate-smart innovations and value-chain solutions aimed at boosting productivity and food security in Migori County.
The exhibition brought together players from the crop, livestock and fisheries sectors, as well as irrigation, mechanisation, seed supply, finance, value addition and digital agriculture.
Speaking during the expo, Migori County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Moses Mosenda said the growing participation of farmers and exhibitors demonstrated the importance of partnerships and knowledge-sharing in transforming the county’s agricultural sector.
Mosenda said the expo’s theme, “Transforming Agriculture through Innovation, Climate-Smart Technology and Sustainable Value Chains for Enhanced Food Security and Prosperity,” aligned with the county government’s goal of making Migori food secure.
He said the county had recruited nearly 65 agricultural extension officers over the past three-and-a-half years, while more than 200 agripreneurs were working alongside the extension team to support farmers.
“Every ward has been equipped with a motorcycle to improve the mobility of extension officers and ensure they reach farmers in their areas,” Mosenda said.
The county has also expanded the Miyare Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), introducing demonstration enterprises including goat keeping, fish farming and dairy production, alongside training programmes targeting young agripreneurs.
Mosenda further said the county was engaging the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to establish an additional fertiliser depot in the region to improve farmers’ access to subsidised inputs.
The move is expected to ease the burden on farmers who travel long distances to access fertiliser and other subsidised agricultural inputs.
The expo also attracted development partners and private-sector players seeking to promote innovation, climate resilience and commercial agriculture.
Assistant County Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Hamisi Williams said climate change, rising production costs, population growth and changing market demands were among the major challenges facing agriculture in Kenya.
Williams called for greater collaboration between farmers, the county government, researchers, development partners and private-sector players to strengthen food production and resilience.
He reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, food security and inclusive rural development.
For some residents, the expo offered an opportunity to rethink agriculture as a viable source of income.
Ann Atieno, a youth from Rongo town, said the exhibition had changed her perception of farming and inspired her to venture into horticulture.
“From what I have seen here today and the knowledge I have received from different exhibitors, especially on smart farming, I think going forward I will venture into horticulture to earn a decent living and improve my living conditions,” she said.
The exhibition gave farmers an opportunity to interact directly with exhibitors, explore new technologies and establish partnerships aimed at improving productivity and resilience.
The annual expo would continue to serve as a platform for promoting innovation, knowledge-sharing and commercial agriculture across Migori County.
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