Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), in collaboration with the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) and CIHEAM-BARI under the Climate Smart WATer Management and Sustainable DEVelopment for Food and Agriculture in East Africa (WATDEV) Project, conducted a Best Management Practices (BMPs) training and dissemination event at Zuri hotel in Hola, Tana River County. The event was attended by representatives from ASARECA, KALRO, National Irrigation Authority, Tana River County and farmers from Laza village. Speaking at the event, Mr. Moses Odeke, WATDEV Project Coordinator at ASARECA, highlighted three major manifestations of climate change: recurrent droughts and floods, soil degradation caused by flooding and water runoff, and declining water levels. He emphasized that these challenges raise critical questions on how to mitigate the impacts of climate change, how to restore soil fertility, and how to make efficient use of available resources. Mr. Odeke noted that the WATDEV project seeks to address these pressing issues through the promotion of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Dr. Michael Okoti from KALRO, emphasized on some of the issues causing soil degradation reiterating that soil testing is key in determining the right fertilizer and usage. The representatives came together to discuss agriculture BMPs and get more insights on the pros and cons of the practices. The training sessions encouraged meaningful dialogue and laid the foundation for adopting BMPs that promote sustainable agriculture in the region. The event also featured field excursions and discussions at the Laza minor irrigation scheme, where Dr. Okoti guided farmers on the interventions to improve soil quality in certain areas of the farm. By enhancing farmers’ skills, the WATDEV BMPs trainings have successfully triggered the adoption of BMPs in the region. KALRO and partners remain committed to empowering farmers with innovative technologies and sustainable practices that enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and ensure food security across Kenya and the East Africa region. #ClimateSmartAgriculture #SustainableDevelopment #KALRO #ASARECA #CIHEAM-BARI #watdevproject

The meeting fostered valuable dialogue, strengthened collaboration, and paved the way for adopting BMPs that support sustainable agriculture in the region. #ClimateSmartAgriculture #SustainableDevelopment #KALRO #WATDEVProject @CIHEAMBari @ASARECA

With the support of the #WATDEV Project @ASARECA, in collaboration with @kalromkulima, has facilitated the acquisition of 1,000 tree seedlings of cashew nut and mango for the Hola Irrigation Farmers Cooperative. This cooperative, which consists of over 1,000 farmers, including women and youth, will utilize these seedlings for agroforestry demonstration plots. The initiative aims to promote knowledge exchange on Best Management Practices (BMPs) and foster sustainable agroforestry practices. The initiative aligns with the #WATDEV Project’s broader objective of enhancing climate resilience and sustainable water management across Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. By setting up these demonstration plots, farmers gain practical insights into climate-smart agriculture, improved soil health, water conservation, and enhanced farm productivity. Funded by the European Union @EU_Commission through @CIHEAMBari and @aics_it, the #WATDEV Project continues to support communities in adapting innovative practices for a more resilient agricultural future. #ClimateSmartAg #SustainableAgriculture #Innovation4Ag #Agroforestry #FarmersFirst #WATDEVProject 🔗 Learn more about the WATDEV Project here: watdev.eu asareca.org/watdev-project/ @g_ladisa @WatDev1 @blaiseamony @sdbaguma @BenIlakut

Tana River County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Veterinary Services, and Cooperative Development, Madam Mwanajuma Hiribae, alongside officials from @ASARECA, @CIHEAMBari, and @kalromkulima, leads a tree-planting exercise to promote agroforestry and sustainable irrigation practices. “Agroforestry is not just about planting trees; it’s about securing our future. Integrating trees into our farming systems improves soil health, conserves water, and builds resilience against climate change. Today, as we plant these trees in Tana River County during the ongoing #WATDEV Roadshow, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainable agriculture, ensuring that future generations inherit a land that is fertile, productive, and thriving.” Madam Mwanajuma Hiribae. This initiative, under the #WATDEV Project, raises farmers' awareness of the benefits of agroforestry, enhancing soil health, improving water management, and boosting farm productivity. @EU_Commission, @aics_it #ClimateSmartAg #SustainableAgriculture #Agroforestry #Farmers #WATDEVProject #TreePlanting #Innovation4Ag @g_ladisa @sdbaguma @BenIlakut

The #WATDEV Innovation Roadshow and Exhibition in Tana River County wraps up with over 1,500 participants. Farmers, #agripreneurs, #women, and #youth actively engaged in knowledge-sharing, hands-on demonstrations, and collaboration on Best Management Practices (BMPs), agroforestry, and climate-smart solutions. A huge thank you to the European Union, @EU_Commission, @CIHEAMBari, @aics_it, @ASARECA @kalromkulima, @WatDev1, and all partners for their support in empowering communities with the skills and resources needed for a more resilient agricultural sector! #WATDEVProject #ClimateSmartAg #Agroforestry #Irrigation #Innovation4Ag #SustainableAgriculture #FarmersFirst #YouthInAg #WomenInAg @blaiseamony @g_ladisa @MosesOdeke42564 @BenIlakut @sdbaguma