Turkana County’s fight against food insecurity has gained significant momentum with the return of 16 agriculture trainees from Israel, who have pledged to apply their newly acquired skills to revolutionize the county’s agricultural sector.
The group, trained at the prestigious Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT) in Israel, was officially received in Lodwar by the County Executive for Agriculture, Wangiros James. The trainees shared their plans to implement modern irrigation systems, climate-smart agriculture practices, and agribusiness innovations aimed at enhancing food production in Turkana.
“We have seen first-hand how efficient agricultural systems can thrive even in desert conditions. The knowledge we bring home will be a game-changer if properly implemented,” one of the returnees stated.
Turkana, classified among Kenya’s 23 arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), has long battled food insecurity due to harsh climatic conditions and a shortage of skilled agricultural professionals. Media reports have frequently highlighted the region’s struggles with drought and dependency on hunger relief programs.
Statistics show that agriculture—including farming, fishing, and livestock—directly employs over 45% of Turkana residents and contributes 74% to household incomes. However, the region’s agricultural productivity has remained low due to climate challenges and limited expertise.
To address this gap, the Turkana County Government partnered with AICAT in 2021, sending an initial group of eight trainees to Israel. This year, 16 more participants were selected, bringing the total number of trained individuals under the program to 24.
During the meeting in Lodwar, the returnees expressed strong commitment to driving agricultural innovation in Turkana, with several already drafting proposals for pilot projects. Their training focused on key areas such as precision farming, greenhouse technology, and sustainable irrigation—critical tools for increasing food production in the region’s challenging climate.
“This is our opportunity to prove that Turkana can feed itself. We are ready to apply what we have learned to improve farming practices, create agribusiness opportunities, and reduce reliance on relief aid,” another graduate remarked.
County Executive for Agriculture Wangiros James commended the group’s dedication and assured them of the government’s full support in integrating their skills into ongoing agricultural projects.
“These professionals are a great asset to Turkana. Their skills will play a crucial role in reversing the narrative of food insecurity. As a government, we are ready to support them in implementing innovative agricultural solutions,” said CEC Wangiros.
He further announced that the county is keen on involving the returnees in strategic projects such as irrigation schemes and the development of agribusiness hubs to maximize their impact. This initiative aims to position Turkana as a leading example of agricultural resilience among Kenya’s ASAL regions.
The county government remains committed to investing in capacity building and sustainable agricultural development as part of its broader strategy to achieve long-term food security and economic empowerment for Turkana residents.
About the Author
