This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On November 26, 2019, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mbatia, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu, addressed farmers at Kabel Market in Baringo County during the Caritas Nyahururu 2019 Annual Farmer's Seed Fair.
"Currently we consume a lot of chemicals that is used to grow and ripen food. When you eat such chemicals people get sick, some get cancer, skin diseases, and other diseases. We have to embrace agroecology and grow chemical-free food, only then shall we be able to live a good life," he said.
The fair, themed "Towards Achieving Food Sovereignty in Solidarity," brought together small-scale farmers who have adopted Agroecology in Laikipia and Baringo counties. Since 2017, Caritas Nyahururu, with the support of Fastenopfer, has been training farmers on Agroecology.
Fr. John Nene, the parish priest of Mochongoi Parish and Director of Caritas Nyahururu, encouraged community members to form groups to access teachings on Agroecology. "Within the groups you will be taught how to farm so that we produce safe food. If you want to live longer, then you have to eat safe food," he said.
Agroecology eliminates the use of external synthetic inputs by enabling farmers to control pests, weeds, and improve fertility through ecological management.
