Climate-smart agriculture has taken centre stage at this year’s Nairobi International Trade Fair, now in its 125th edition, as organisers and exhibitors put innovation in farming technology front and centre amid growing pressure on the sector from erratic weather.
The fair, themed around promoting climate-smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth, has drawn more than 400 exhibitors this year, up from roughly 300 last year, a jump organisers say reflects rising interest in agricultural technology as farmers look for ways to cope with unpredictable rains and rising temperatures. Attendance is projected to climb by about 35 percent from last year’s estimated 400,000 visitors.
On display are seed varieties bred to withstand temperature extremes and heavy downpours, along with livestock breeds adapted to shifting climate conditions. Demonstration plots have been set up to let farmers compare different crop varieties side by side before committing to them on their own land, while exhibitors are also showcasing digital tools, including drones fitted for crop spraying, aimed at helping farmers cut costs and apply inputs more precisely.
The fair has also drawn a notable international contingent this year, with exhibitors from more than ten countries, including Thailand, Ireland, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana and Zambia. Thailand’s delegation is said to be showcasing a range of agricultural machinery, from power tillers to larger tractors and irrigation systems designed with small-scale farmers in mind, a segment that dominates Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
The push for climate-resilient farming comes as Kenya continues to grapple with the effects of a changing climate on its food systems, from prolonged dry spells in parts of the country to flooding in others, both of which have periodically disrupted harvests and pushed up food prices. Agricultural officials have in recent years leaned on events such as the trade fair to introduce farmers to newer, more resilient technologies and to connect them directly with suppliers and researchers.
Organisers say the scale of this year’s exhibition, both in the number of participants and the range of innovations on display, signals growing recognition among farmers, government agencies and private investors that adapting to climate change is no longer optional for the sector’s long-term survival.