TURKANA, Kenya – In Turkana County, pastoralists are increasingly turning to agriculture— arid land farming—to combat drought and increase food security.
The threats to traditional livelihoods posed by conflicts, changing land management techniques, and climate change have prompted this transformation.
Many pastoralists seek non-pastoral income techniques to meet their demands and diversify their income sources.
For instance, to support the county’s food security, the Seed Savers Network Kenya has started an emergency seed project to help 1,300 farmers transition from pastoralism to agro-pastoralism.
Y News understands that the two-year project in the Loima and Turkana South sub-counties aims to build three seed banks with infrastructure for processing seeds and train farmers to use Indigenous seeds.
Peter Loree, Acting Director for Irrigation and Land Reclamation, praised Seed Savers’ project and said it will support the County Government’s efforts to guarantee farmer seed access.
“The diversity of seeds will increase value chains to enhance production, hence the need for effective collaboration to realize the Governor’s food security agenda,” Loree said.
Why Turkana pastoralists are always on the move
The pastoral way of life has existed in most parts of Turkana County for several millennia, with herders moving seasonally to take advantage of pasture and water.
Mobility remains critical to pastoralists’ ability to adapt to climatic challenges and environmental degradation. It allows them to access seasonally available pasture and water, markets, and social support networks.
However, following the launch of this ambitious seed project, this millennial-old traditional way of life might be something of the past.
According to Mike Aupe, Deputy Director for Resource Mobilisation, the project aims to alter agriculture by producing food crops adaptable to climate change using Indigenous seeds.
“The project’s sustainability depends on better coordination, integration, and collaboration with other stakeholders, as this project aligns with our approach of shifting from pastoralism to agro-pastoralism,” he stated.
What is the impact of the Turkana seed project
According to Daniel Wanjama of Seed Savers Network Kenya, the project in association with Swissaid will be significant for increasing seed diversity and forming alliances to assist regional farmers.
The project Wanjama disclosed will provide seeds for a variety of crops, including sweet potatoes, cassava, millet, sorghum, and traditional green vegetables, as well as fodder, to farmers in Katilu, Kalemunyang, Nanyee, and Kang’alita.
Y News has further established a significant lack of food and water in many Sub-Saharan African countries. Hence, Kenya is not alone in experiencing this issue.
Due to the lack of rain throughout the previous five seasons, cultivating crops and supplying food for oneself and one’s family has been challenging.
Thousands of people have been forced to leave their houses in search of food and water after losing their jobs as a result.
