Turkana: To strengthen community seed systems in enhancing food security in Turkana, government officials from the Department of Agriculture and Land Reclamation joined farmers from Loima, Kangalita, and Katilu for a capacity-building workshop. The training focused on the production of indigenous seeds and the development of a farmer-managed seed system.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, James Wangiros, highlighted the importance of collaboration among the county government, local communities, and development partners like Seed Savers Network. He noted that such partnerships are essential for addressing the challenges facing food security in the region.
"The County Government of Turkana provides grassroots support through staffing, capacity-building training, continuous extension services, and annual seed distribution," Wangiros stated. He also emphasised the significance of collaboration with research institutions, including Turkana University College, in developing knowledge and policies that address climate change and promote sustainable food systems.
Daniel Wanjama, Chief Executive Officer of Seed Savers Network, reiterated the organisation's commitment to working with communities and the government to empower farmers to produce and store their own seeds in community seed banks. This will reduce dependency on external seed aid. "Historically, we have faced seed shortages due to reliance on conventional seed aid, which has fostered a mindset of over-dependency," said Philip Ebongon, a farmer from Katilu.
Present at the training were Emmanuel Esau (Deputy Director of Agriculture), Joseph Ekalale (Deputy Director, Irrigation and Land Reclamation), and Jackson Ewat (Assistant Director, Irrigation).