Turkana County government has teamed up with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to conduct a training program aimed at enhancing the capacity of agricultural trainees. This collaboration focuses on building the resilience of both refugees and host communities in the face of climate change and improving their livelihoods through agricultural development.
The training program, titled “Enhancing the Capacity of Refugee Host Communities for Climate Resilience and Livelihood Improvement,” targets key areas essential for sustainable agriculture. These areas include climate-smart agricultural practices, soil and water conservation, the commercialization of non-timber resources, and strengthening community governance. Additionally, the trainees will engage in hands-on learning, visiting model farms and meeting past beneficiaries of similar programs. This fieldwork will allow them to see practical examples of the principles they are learning in action.
Turkana County, located in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), faces a number of challenges, including severe droughts and food insecurity. These issues are further compounded by the high number of refugees in the region, who rely on limited resources. As such, Turkana has become a focal point for interventions that seek to improve resilience to climate shocks while ensuring food security for both refugees and local communities.
At the official launch of the training, JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to empowering local communities through knowledge transfer. She explained that this training program is designed to enhance the ability of host communities to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. By raising awareness and encouraging the adoption of climate-smart agricultural techniques, the program aims to improve both food production and the overall livelihoods of those involved.
Prof. Ngumi also acknowledged the crucial role of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has provided support for the initiative. JICA’s contribution to the program aligns with its broader goals of promoting sustainable development in ASAL regions. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of linking host communities with economic opportunities arising from the presence of refugees, noting that such connections can foster peaceful coexistence and reduce tensions.
Fumihiko Suzuki, a representative from JICA Kenya, also spoke at the event and emphasized how the program is in line with Japan’s New Development Charter for 2023. This charter focuses on fostering sustainable development, particularly in regions facing environmental challenges like ASALs. He pointed out that while these challenges are significant, they also provide a unique opportunity to test innovative solutions that can benefit local populations, demonstrating the importance of partnerships like this one.
Aaron Nanok, the Director for Agriculture in Turkana County, shared insights into the selection process for the trainees, emphasizing that the thirty participants had been competitively chosen. The goal of the training program is to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become effective trainers and agricultural extension agents. These individuals will play a key role in helping local farmers adopt best practices and improve food security in their communities. Nanok stressed the importance of continuous learning and the hands-on experience that the trainees would gain throughout the program.
Mentorship and coaching by experts in agricultural practices will also form an integral part of the training. Nanok believes that by providing participants with the tools and support they need, the program will have a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape of Turkana. By strengthening the capacity of these trainers, the initiative seeks to ensure that knowledge is disseminated widely across the region.
JKUAT’s long-term commitment to the program is clear, as the university aims to ensure that trained participants will pass on their knowledge to others in the region, particularly in Turkana’s three sub-counties. This approach will help create a ripple effect, benefiting even more individuals and communities as they learn from the trained agricultural experts. Ultimately, this initiative is poised to have a significant and lasting impact on Turkana’s agriculture sector, improving food security, promoting climate resilience, and enhancing the livelihoods of both refugees and local host communities.”Turkana County Partners with JKUAT to Enhance Agricultural Training for Climate Resilience and Livelihood Improvement”
