The Climate-Smart Revolution: Why sorghum and millet are central to Kenya’s food security agenda

Climate-smart sorghum varieties offer farmers a solution against birds and drought

Most smallholder farmers in Kenya understand the climate-related challenges linked to environmental changes and are seeking ways to adapt quickly. Farmers in Kitui and Turkana counties contend with prolonged dry spells, while those in Machakos and Makueni face unpredictable weather patterns. These ongoing problems call for new farming techniques — and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is emerging as a key solution.

Evidence shows that adopting CSA technologies, innovations, and management practices boosts harvests and strengthens the resilience of smallholder farmers. This farmer-friendly approach offers low-cost, practical methods that meet three core objectives: i) increasing agricultural yields to achieve Kenya’s food security and nutrition goals; ii) improving agricultural productivity; and iii) reducing environmental degradation through integrated soil and water management and biodiversity protection. In Kenya, CSA effectively balances traditional farming methods with modern agronomic practices. It helps farmers improve crop and livestock production rather than merely defending crops against climate impacts.

Kitui, Machakos, Kajiado, Makueni, and Turkana are among the counties that stand to benefit greatly from CSA. These regions often experience erratic weather patterns — short bursts of heavy rainfall followed by extended dry periods and unstable soil moisture. Consequently, many farmers have turned to cultivating sorghum, millet, and drought-resistant maize varieties that perform better under limited water conditions.

Kenya’s so-called “orphan crops” — once neglected but now gaining attention for their role in enhancing climate resilience and nutrition — include finger millet, sorghum, cassava, cowpeas, pigeon peas, amaranth, and spider plant. These crops thrive in arid regions, offering high nutritional value, drought tolerance, and adaptability to poor soils. They are also resource-efficient compared to maize and can grow under diverse weather conditions. Agricultural researchers, together with county governments, are promoting these crops to enhance dietary diversity, food security, and local market stability. With rising food costs and worsening climate change, these orphan crops offer sustainable, affordable, and culturally significant food options for millions of Kenyan households.

To reduce water use, farmers are increasingly turning to improved irrigation methods such as drip irrigation and other precision systems that deliver water directly to plant roots. Solar-powered pumps have also become popular, allowing farmers to irrigate their fields without relying on expensive electricity or uncertain rainfall.

However, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of CSA. The high cost of irrigation equipment and improved seeds remains a barrier for many smallholder farmers. Limited access to information on climate-resilient farming also slows progress. Studies show that some older farmers are reluctant to adopt new practices that differ from traditional methods, underscoring the need for greater awareness about CSA technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs). Research further indicates that younger, better-educated farmers are more willing to embrace CSA techniques — a demographic that county and national governments could leverage to spread this knowledge within communities.

Ultimately, the success of Kenyan agriculture depends on how effectively farmers adapt to climate change. CSA offers proven pathways to create farming systems that are sustainable, productive, and resilient. Kenya must continue strengthening food security by promoting drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation, and soil conservation practices. Since agriculture is a devolved function, counties should play a leading role in helping smallholder farmers turn climate challenges into opportunities that enhance production and secure their livelihoods. At the same time, national government agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors must continue providing the necessary support to ensure the broad adoption of CSA across the country.

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Dr Enock Warinda is an agricultural development, applied economics and strategic planning professional. He previously served as CEO of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA)