Western farmers embrace new technologies to boost food production
Western
By
Juliet Omelo
| Aug 12, 2025
Farmers in Kenya’s Western region are increasingly adopting innovative agricultural technologies to boost food production and mitigate the effects of climate change.
According to Isabella Kasaya, head of programs and partnerships at the Anglican Development Services (ADS) Western Region, the organization is working closely with communities to promote sustainable farming practices that improve livelihoods.
“We are partnering with communities across Western Kenya to promote climate-smart farming practices that can support sustainable food systems and raise living standards,” Kasaya said.
ADS is implementing agricultural development projects across counties in the region, focusing on equipping farmers with modern, environmentally friendly techniques to cope with shrinking farmland and unpredictable weather patterns.
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“We no longer have the luxury of large farming spaces. That is why we are training farmers to maximize their limited land through techniques like kitchen gardening and conical gardens,” she explained.
The conical garden model allows farmers to grow various vegetables in vertical layers, enabling food production even in small spaces such as homesteads and school compounds. Kasaya said this approach has been particularly effective in areas facing land scarcity and poor soil conditions.
To further improve productivity, ADS is training farmers in soil fertility management, including composting and bio-fertilizer production.
“We are helping farmers adopt organic methods to enrich their soils. Composting and making bio-fertilizers not only reduce costs but also improve crop yields in an eco-friendly way,” Kasaya added.
Beyond production, ADS is helping farmers access markets and explore value addition through cooperatives, which she said provide a platform for collective marketing and enhance economic sustainability for smallholder farmers.
“Through cooperatives, farmers can market their produce more effectively and even engage in small-scale value addition, which increases their incomes,” she noted.
Kasaya emphasized that ADS aligns its work with government policies and frameworks to maximize impact. The organization plans to establish community resource centers and training hubs in various counties to serve as demonstration sites for climate-resilient agriculture.
Isabella Kasaya, head of programs and partnerships at the Anglican Development Services (ADS) Western Region, during an interview with the media. [Juliet Omelo, Standard]
“Our goal is to create training hubs where farmers can learn and interact with new technologies hands-on,” she said.
ADS has also partnered with schools to introduce agricultural training to young learners through 4K Clubs, teaching sustainable farming techniques that students can replicate at home.
“We believe young people are key to building a sustainable agricultural future. By working with 4K Clubs, we mentor young farmers and equip them with practical knowledge they can take back to their families,” Kasaya said.
Several schools have successfully established gardens, with some using surplus harvests to support feeding programs or generate income for school needs.
“The impact has been remarkable. Some schools have launched feeding programs from their gardens, and others are selling surplus produce to raise funds,” she added.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has also urged residents to embrace agribusiness and value addition as pillars for economic empowerment.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. I urge our farmers, especially the youth, to tap into agribusiness and value addition along the value chain -that is where real empowerment lies,” Lusaka said.