Players in the agricultural space
have been urged to ride on technology to develop innovative ways to resolve
food insecurity.
Speaking ahead of the annual
International Trade Fair—popularly known as the ‘Nairobi Show’—experts from the
Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) said the sector must intensify efforts to
progressively reduce hunger at a time when 1.8
million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
They pointed to targeted
initiatives, including platforms like the ‘Meet and ASK Show’, which play a
vital role in connecting farmers, innovators, and policymakers to practical
food security solutions.
Levi Mukhweso, chief Steward of
the ASK Nairobi branch, said that bridging the current food security gap
requires a stronger connection between agriculture and education to address
structural weaknesses.
“Agriculture should be treated as
the key. The notion still exists that agriculture is for people who never made
it in school. That notion should not be there,” Levi said.
According to him, while there is enough food
across the continent, Levi argued that the real issue lies in coordination.
He pointed out that some regions are abundant in
produce yet remain disconnected from food-scarce areas due to weak logistics
and a lack of market intelligence.
Their concerns are coming at a time when
various entities, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), ReliefWeb and FAO have forecasted lower agricultural
production this year.
The anticipated decline is mainly linked to
below-average rainfall, which is expected to push staple food prices higher and
increased conflicts over resource management and increased human–wildlife
interactions are also seen as contributing factors.
The weeklong fair, running from
September 29 to October 5 at Jamhuri Park Showground in Nairobi, will bring
together more than 250 exhibitors from across the agricultural value chain. The
aim is to spur the sector through knowledge exchange and partnerships for
sustainable food production.
Exhibitors will include agri-tech
firms, SMEs, universities, corporate organizations, and international
participants from China, India, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Highlights will feature live
agri-tech demonstrations, climate-smart farming showcases, women- and youth-led
innovation hubs, as well as interactive B2B networking and knowledge-sharing
sessions.
Joseph Mugo, the branch chairman,
underscored the significance of the event, saying that the Nairobi
International Trade Fair is more than an exhibition.
“It is where tradition meets
transformation and where Kenya’s resilience, innovation and excellence are
showcased to the world,” Mugo said.
“Since 1902, ASK has hosted this
trade fair. Over the decades, it has evolved into East Africa’s platform for
agricultural transformation, trade advancement and technological innovation.”
