Tech takes centre stage at Nairobi ASK show
Cows at a Milking Pen during the official opening of the Nairobi International Trade Fair.
Farmers facing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns have been presented with a range of technologies and innovations aimed at helping them prepare for heavy rains, drought and other climate-related shocks at the ongoing Nairobi International Trade Fair.
From large agricultural drones and water-harvesting systems to climate-resilient seeds, livestock breeds and kitchen-garden technologies, the seven-day exhibition at Jamhuri Showground in Nairobi is showcasing solutions designed to help farmers protect production while improving efficiency and incomes.
Organised by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), the 125th edition of the Nairobi International Trade Fair opened on September 28 and runs until October 4 under the theme “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
ASK Nairobi Branch Manager Levi Mukhweso, in an exclusive interview said the technologies on display are particularly important as farmers prepare for periods of heavy rainfall and other weather extremes.
“In terms of flood shocks, the issue is, one, they need to know how to harness water. They need to have reservoirs so that when it rains, as you find most of the time, we say there's a lot of rain, but this water just goes to waste,” Mukhweso said.
He said farmers can store excess rainwater for use during dry periods, while those in areas with limited surface water can explore technologies for drilling and using groundwater for agricultural production.
The exhibition is also featuring drones that can be used for spraying crops, monitoring farms and taking aerial images. Mr Mukhweso said the technology can be particularly useful on large farms, where farmers may not be able to monitor every section of their holdings physically.
“The drone can go around and even take pictures,” he said, adding that the technology can also support security monitoring around farms.
The climate-smart focus extends to the seed sector, where exhibitors are displaying varieties selected for their ability to perform under changing weather conditions, including high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
ASK Chief Executive Officer Batram Muthoka said seed companies are showcasing different varieties and hybrids, alongside planted plots where farmers can assess crop performance and make informed choices about what to take to their farms.
“We've looked at the seed sector. We have all the players in that industry bringing on board the seed varieties that are able to withstand both high temperatures as well as high rainfall because those are the effects of climate change,” Mr Muthoka said.
Livestock is another major attraction, with farmers able to see breeds such as Sahiwal, Boran and Friesian cattle. According to Mr Muthoka, the livestock sector is also responding to climate-related risks through breeding and production approaches suited to changing conditions.
The show is bringing agriculture closer to digital technology, while also creating a marketplace for agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and innovators. The ASK chief said the event focuses on climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness and markets, innovation and technology, youth and women empowerment, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
For farmers with limited land, Mukhweso said the exhibition is also showcasing technologies that can support food production from small spaces.
“You don't need to have big land. You can still have your own kitchen garden and you can have enough to feed your family and even sell,” he said.
He urged visitors to explore the technologies on display for opportunities to produce food for household consumption and generate income from surplus produce.
The climate-resilience message is also linked to Kenya's wider agricultural economy, where farming supplies raw materials to many industries. Mukhweso said improved production can help secure food supplies locally while creating opportunities for exports.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair has attracted about 400 exhibitors, up from around 300 last year, according to Mr Muthoka. ASK expects close to 600,000 visitors during the event, compared with about 400,000 recorded last year.
The increased participation includes exhibitors from more than 10 foreign countries. Thailand has about six exhibitors, while Ireland, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana and Zambia are also represented.
Apart from agricultural technologies, the exhibition provides space for businesses to market products, develop networks and explore commercial opportunities. Mukhweso said the show has over the years provided a platform where visitors learn about new ventures and technologies before applying the knowledge in their enterprises.
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