Kirinyaga County hosts first Agro-Ecology Symposium to promote organic farming and curb health risks associated with chemicals

Kirinyaga County has taken a bold step towards safer and more sustainable farming by hosting it’s first-ever agro ecology symposium.

The two-day event, held at Kirinyaga University in Kutus, aimed at promoting the farming and consumption of organically grown food for commercial and health benefits.

The symposium is part of a campaign by the county government to encourage reduction in use of agro-chemicals in crop production in the wake of rising health concerns.

The symposium brought together over 700 participants, including farmers, agricultural experts, exhibitors, buyers, and input suppliers.

Sessions focused on practical aspects of organic farming such as pest management, soil health, and market access.

Governor Anne Waiguru earlier mentioned that her administration is committed to helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while reducing reliance on agrochemicals due to health concerns.

“We are undertaking farmers’ training on organic farming because we want to reduce the use of agro-chemicals,” she said.

She noted that organic farming supports food safety, public health, and environmental conservation.

Waiguru said the County Government is undertaking training aimed at mitigating the potential negative impacts of chemicals in humans and the environment.

The training is targeting horticulture farmers especially those engaged in tomatoes, French beans, rice among other on reduction of agrochemicals especially in horticultural produce such as

Some 400 farmers supported by the County Government have ventured into organic farming in the wake of growing demand driven by health concerns.

The farmers organized in 14 groups have been federated into a cooperative that is helping them tap into the growing market while at the same time offering them financial support to expand their ventures.

County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Dr. John Gachara, described the event as a milestone in the county’s transition to agro ecological farming.

“This is a day we have been planning for. We are proud to host the first organic farming symposium in Kirinyaga. Our focus is to encourage farmers to embrace organic methods in response to the health and environmental challenges posed by chemical-based agriculture,” Gachara said.

Dr. Gachara warned that the misuse of pesticides may be contributing to the rise in lifestyle-related illnesses. He said the county is promoting biodegradable alternatives to protect both farmers and consumers.

“Our goal is to lower medical burden arising from use of agro-chemical,” he stated.

The symposium was organized in partnership with the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN).

“We are pleased to have partnered with Kirinyaga County to organize this symposium that brought together stakeholders including farmers, companies, input suppliers, and extension providers.” he added.

Kiarie said the platform allowed farmers to explore innovative solutions in soil fertility and pesticide management while exchanging ideas and experiences.

Alex Muriithi, founder of Super Ideal Farming Group, said his organization has been training farmers in Kirinyaga on the use of organic foliar fertilizers.

“These fertilizers help reduce crop diseases and are healthier for our bodies,” he said.

He explained that the group uses locally available materials, reducing waste and cutting production costs. “Mast farmers have now embraced organic farming,” he added.

Agro ecology expert Gideon Moya from BIBA Kenya also praised the event. He said they had supported ten member organizations from across the country to participate.

“We are huge promoters of agro ecology, we train small-scale farmers on safe production methods by discouraging toxic pesticides and promoting indigenous farming through our campaign dubbed “Kula Kienyeji.”

He explained that growing indigenous crops is one way to protect the environment from climate change and reduce the risk of terminal illnesses linked to chemical exposure.

Jane Muchiri, a member of the Mountain Green Group and an organic farmer, shared how she had transformed her farming practices after realizing the effects of chemicals on soil and health.

“The chemicals we used were destroying the soil microorganisms that maintain fertility, they are absorbed by the crops, and eventually we consume them, this is why diseases are increasing,” she noted.