Yara East Africa, a leading crop nutrition company, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering farmers through innovative smart technologies to increase yields, enhance food security, and support sustainable farming practices. The company, which has been at the forefront of agricultural development for over 30 years, is working to create a future where farmers thrive and communities prosper, ultimately helping to secure food for the growing population.
During the 2024 Agitech Expo, held in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Yara East Africa Country Director William Ng’eno emphasized the company’s focus on educating farmers to ensure they adopt technology and best practices for sustainable farming. The Expo, themed “The Use of Smart Technologies in Scaling up Agricultural Value Chains from Seed to Market,” brought together key players in the agricultural sector, including government officials, farmers, and stakeholders.
Yara’s Role in Empowering Farmers
In his remarks at the Expo, Ng’eno underscored the importance of knowledge as the greatest subsidy that can be offered to farmers. He highlighted Yara’s long-standing commitment to providing practical solutions and best practices to help farmers sustainably increase crop yields and improve profitability.
“Technology in agriculture is no longer just a concept—it is now a reality transforming every stage of the agricultural value chain. Knowledge sharing on improving crop nutrition and yields remains a key pillar of Yara’s farmer education programmes,” Ng’eno said.
One of the initiatives that have demonstrated Yara’s dedication to farmer empowerment is their partnership with Mazao na Fanaka, established five years ago, to create one of Yara’s 11 Agri-business knowledge centres. These centres have reached over 5,000 farmers, offering practical training on modern farming techniques and efficient crop nutrition strategies. Ng’eno noted that the knowledge-sharing programme features field days, demonstration plots, and digital platforms such as FarmCare, a tool developed by Yara to support farmers in making informed decisions.
Yara currently operates 10 Knowledge Centres across the country, with the centre adjacent to Agitech Seedlings in Mwea operating 24 hours a day. These centres are hubs where farmers can interact with experts, ask questions, and observe practical farming solutions in action. This approach has empowered farmers in Kenya and Uganda to sustainably improve their productivity, ensuring better quality yields and higher profits.
FarmCare App: A Digital Solution for Farmers
As part of its digital transformation strategy, Yara has also launched the FarmCare App, which equips farmers with smart digital tools to simplify their farming practices. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices, providing farmers with the tools they need to apply fertilisers effectively and achieve higher yields at lower costs. Through the app, farmers can access information on best farming practices, smart nutrition, and crop management tips.
One of the most convenient features of the app is its e-commerce function, enabling farmers to purchase farming products directly through the platform. This innovation provides farmers with an integrated, all-in-one solution to streamline their farming processes, from crop planning to product purchasing, further supporting the move towards a digital and data-driven agricultural landscape.
Gaps in the Agricultural Value Chain and the Role of the Agitech Expo
The Agitech Grand Expo aims to address critical gaps in the agriculture value chain, ensuring farmers are equipped to farm more profitably and sustainably. Expo chairman Julius Mureithi highlighted key challenges in Kenya’s agricultural sector, such as seed multiplication, mechanisation, and technology adoption. He expressed concern that Kenya still imports maize seeds from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other neighbouring countries, emphasizing the need for local production of seeds to reduce reliance on imports.
“Seed multiplication and production remain a major challenge for the country,” Mureithi stated. “It is concerning that we continue to import maize seeds, yet we have the capacity to produce them locally. We must address this issue to ensure our farmers are self-reliant and resilient.”
Mechanisation was another critical area of focus during the Expo. Mureithi noted that mechanising farming activities is essential for improving productivity and efficiency. He urged farmers and stakeholders to embrace mechanisation as an important tool to drive agriculture into the next century, making farming activities more convenient and accessible.
Government’s Commitment to Technology in Agriculture
Government officials attending the Expo expressed strong support for the use of technology to boost agricultural productivity. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja and Principal Secretaries Ephantus Kimotho (State Department for Irrigation) and Gitonga Mugambi (State Department for Forestry) were present, affirming the government’s dedication to strengthening collaborations with entrepreneurs and innovators in the agricultural sector.
PS Kimotho emphasized the need for mechanisation to improve yields, stating, “The best way to increase yields is to mechanise our land. This allows us to implement better farming techniques and optimize land use, thereby increasing productivity.”
On his part, PS Mugambi drew attention to the government’s 15 billion tree-planting initiative, which is spearheaded by President William Ruto. Mugambi stressed the importance of tree planting not only for environmental sustainability but also for its economic potential. “Planting trees in this country is big business. It will create jobs, spur industrialization, and improve our forest cover,” he said.
Technological Innovations Shaping the Future of Farming
The role of technology in revolutionising agriculture was a central theme throughout the Expo. Ng’eno from Yara East Africa explained that innovations such as smart farming tools, mechanisation, and data-driven decision-making are already having a significant impact on farming in Kenya and the broader East African region. He emphasized that the future of farming would be shaped by how well farmers adopt and integrate these technologies into their everyday practices.
“We are committed to supporting farmers with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. With the right support, we can ensure that technology serves as a catalyst for sustainable growth, improved food security, and better livelihoods for farmers,” Ng’eno stated.
Conclusion
Yara East Africa’s participation in the 2024 Agitech Expo reaffirms its leadership in promoting technological transformation within the agricultural sector. By equipping farmers with smart technologies and digital tools like the FarmCare App and continuing its knowledge-sharing initiatives through its nationwide Knowledge Centres, Yara is helping farmers adapt to modern farming practices. The company’s efforts are not just about boosting yields but ensuring that farmers can farm profitably and sustainably, contributing to food security in Kenya and the region.
As Kenya continues to face challenges in its agricultural value chain, events like the Agitech Expo play a crucial role in addressing these issues, facilitating dialogue, and driving innovation. With the support of companies like Yara and the government’s commitment to advancing technology in agriculture, the future of Kenyan farming looks bright.
