This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
Published on August 5, 2019, a county initiative in Turkana, Kenya, has seen villagers shift from pastoralism to vegetable farming, enhancing food security and household incomes.
Dubbed "agri-nutrition farms," the initiative encourages villagers to grow vegetables such as tomatoes, kale, spinach, cabbages, broccoli, and carrots, improving their nutrition and income.
A six-acre demonstration farm has inspired hundreds of villagers to experiment with vegetable farming, with many reporting improved livelihoods.
"We have, for years, depended on pastoralism, but we continue to lose the animals to drought. But with this initiative, we have something else to eat at home or sell," said Lepo Lorinyo, a beneficiary.
Agriculture Executive Chris Aletia said the county government would establish more model farms in the region and increase acreage of the project, citing readily available markets and quick maturity of the crops chosen.
"We will continue offering extension services to farmers and also impart knowledge on modern farming technologies. We must wipe out hunger in the region," said Mr. Aletia.
