Kenya’s farms are undergoing a technological transformation with the adoption of “climate-smart agriculture.” This advanced approach uses environmentally friendly techniques designed to withstand unpredictable weather patterns.
For instance, some crops now require less water, and innovative planting methods protect the soil. These practices enable farmers to produce healthy food while preserving the land for future generations, offering a sustainable solution that benefits both people and the environment.
Farmers are embracing drought-tolerant rice varieties, a climate-smart innovation that is transforming lives and offering a glimpse into a more food-secure future.
Adelina Munyua, a resident of Meru County, exemplifies the positive impact. For years, her family’s staple diet was maize, a more drought-resistant crop. Rice, a more desirable food source, remained out of reach. “Our land just couldn’t support it,” she explains.
This reality changed two years ago when Adelina learned about the new drought-tolerant rice varieties promoted by Kilimo Trust’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Rice Initiative for Climate Smart Agriculture (R4iCSA).
These new varieties are a game-changer. Unlike traditional rice, which requires significant standing water, these varieties flourish in drier conditions.
Special breeding techniques enhance the plant’s water efficiency and root structure, allowing it to withstand longer periods without rain – perfect for Eastern Kenya’s increasingly unpredictable climate.
The impact on Adelina’s life is undeniable. “With the new rice, we can finally cultivate a reliable source of income,” she beams. The drought-tolerant varieties have not only improved food security for her family but have also opened doors to new opportunities.
“The surplus we harvest allows us to sell rice on the market, bringing in additional income that we can use to invest in our children’s education and improve our home,” she adds.
