By reporter
Kwale County Government in partnership with Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), TradeMark Africa (TMA) through its USAID- Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) program, and Danish Industry, successfully hosted the Coast Region Agribusiness Expo.
The event brought together key stakeholders in the agriculture sector from across the region at KALRO in Matuga Sub-County.
Kwale County Government and Eastern Africa Grain Council Spurs Climate-Smart Technologies for Sustainable Food Systems in Kenya’s Coast Region.
The event featured over 30 companies and agribusinesses including local farmers, agro- dealers, financial institutions,post harvest management among others providing a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing innovative climate smart solutions aimed at boosting sustainable food systems in the coastal region.
Speaking during the officiating ceremony, Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo highlighted the county’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.
Chirema said that the county government of Kwale is working closely with partners like EAGC to create an enabling environment for agribusinesses to thrive.
“We are investing in infrastructure, capacity building, and policy support to ensure that our farmers can compete in regional and international markets, leveraging on cross border trade opportunities through the Lungalunga One Stop Border Post.” Chirema said.
The Executive Director EAGC Gerald Masila emphasized the importance of the coastal region in Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
He urged farmer across the region to form agricultural Saccos for them to benefit fully from the program.
“The Coast Region Agribusiness Expo is a testament to the growing recognition of the region’s potential in contributing to food security and economic growth.,” he added.
Through their mission of promoting structured grain trade in, he said that they are committed to support farmers and agribusinesses in the region through initiatives that enhance market access, promote best practices, job creation and foster sustainable development.
Participants lauded the expo for its role in bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice.
“We look forward to implementing the innovative practices shared at this expo to boost our productivity and profitability,” said Jackson Ndurya, Kwale PAVI Farmers’ Cooperative chair.
The Coast Region Agribusiness Expo brought together over 1500 farmers and the leadership and exhibits from all six counties under Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani.
Kwale County Government has continued to support the agricultural sector through empowering farmers such as providing required seeds and seedlings to farmers, giving Galla Goats to livestock farmers to improve the goats breeds in county, offering modern fishing boats to fishermen for high fish production and digging and construction of dams in semi-arid areas of the county for irrigation for food security and agri-business.
