Turkana county government will use flood-based farming for crop production and make good use of floodwaters.
The county has faced floods, drought and hunger for many years.
Deputy Governor Peter Lotethiro said the systemsupports agro-pastoralism as an alternative to pastoralism that has traditionally been the main source of livelihood.
"The black cotton soil in parts of the county has the potential of providing surplus food for commercial purposes through the utilisation of seasonal rivers running across Turkana, " he said.
The farming system for crop production will address food security to reduces poverty level, he said.
The county has been recognised by an Ethiopian university for its implementation of flood-based farming system for crop production.
Mekelle University, based in Tigray in Ethiopia feted Governor Josphat Nanok and the Agriculture executive Christopher Aletia for implementing the farming technique.
The programme is carried out in Kajukjuk and Kakong farming sites in Turkana North and South subcounties.
Lotethiro has urged Turkana University College to provide courses on dryland farming as a homegrown solution similar to what Mekelle University does in Ethiopia.
He said Turkana is an ASAL region like Ethiopia, but Ethiopia is now producing enough food for consumption.
He said the government has plans to increase crop production through mechanised farming, adding that the success of the Kakong flood-based pilot project would catalyse its spread in other areas.
Aletia said implementation of the system that uses floodwaters at Kakong’ was a milestone achievement by the county in addressing food security.
Officials from the Mekelle University led by Water Director Prof Eyasu Yazew presented certificates to the county for practising flood-based farming.
Prof Yazew said proper implementation of the system and design will be a significant contributor to economic development and will improve the livelihoods of residents.
Edited by R.Wamochie
