Kiambu: Kiambu County has partnered with South Korea's Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) to introduce modern farming technologies aimed at boosting productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture.
According to Kenya News Agency, the discussions, held on Thursday at Waruhiu Agricultural Training Centre in Kiambu, brought together Chief Officer for Crop Production, Irrigation and Marketing Benson Njoroge and KOPIA Director Dr Ji Gang Kim with their respective teams. The partnership seeks to equip local farmers with innovative techniques and training to enhance yields, reduce losses, and increase household incomes, addressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
Among the key initiatives is the establishment of a Model Farm at Waruhiu Agricultural Training Centre, which will serve as a demonstration site for modern farming practices and a hub for farmer training. Speaking during the meeting, Mr Njoroge emphasised the importance of international collaboration in bridging technology gaps that limit agricultural progress. 'By working with KOPIA, we are opening opportunities for our farmers to learn advanced methods that can improve production and make farming more profitable,' he said.
Dr Kim highlighted that KOPIA has supported agricultural development in several countries by promoting innovation, research, and farmer-focused solutions. 'Kenya's dynamic farming sector provides an ideal environment for collaboration, and we look forward to sharing knowledge that can enhance productivity and sustainability,' he said. The County Government affirmed its commitment to supporting the initiative, noting that the partnership is expected not only to improve productivity but also to create a smarter, more resilient agricultural sector in Kiambu.
Local administrators and cooperative managers will play a key role in rolling out training and ensuring farmers adopt the new technologies. With agriculture being a cornerstone of Kenya's economy, the collaboration between Kiambu County and KOPIA comes at a crucial time, providing farmers with modern solutions to meet both current and future challenges.