This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
Kenya's agriculture sector has been slow to adopt technology, hindering its growth and making it vulnerable to climate change.
Published on August 31, 2019, a report by the Nation noted that several industries in Kenya have integrated technology into their operations, but the agriculture sector has been lagging behind.
According to the report, the sector has recorded growth in recent years, but at a slower pace than expected, largely due to the low use of technology such as new seed varieties, farm machinery, and information and communication technology.
Most farmers in Kenya still rely on traditional methods, which are no longer effective in the face of climate change, increased pest and disease invasions, erratic weather patterns, and soil degradation.
As a result, food production has become more challenging, and the prospects of ending perennial hunger are being hurt.
Experts believe that embracing various forms of agricultural technology is crucial for farmers to produce more food and make the sector more sustainable.
At the 'Seeds of Gold' Farm Clinic in Thika, the theme of the event was 'Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture', with a focus on showcasing agro-technology solutions to farmers.
The clinic featured irrigation solutions, new seed varieties that are drought-resistant, mature faster, and yield more, as well as pesticides to combat emerging pests and diseases, and various transport equipment and farm machinery.
Research institutions such as Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) and Egerton University have been working to develop varieties that are resilient to adverse conditions and have other innovations that farmers can adopt to enhance their yields.
