Kenyan Deputy President Opens Mombasa International Agricultural Show

News in brief: The 2023 Mombasa International Agricultural Show in Kenya has kicked off and it features a diverse range of exhibitors with a focus on technology and climate-smart agriculture initiatives for sustainable development.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially opened the 2023 Mombasa International Agricultural Show. The annual event which began on Wednesday, September 6, will run till September 10.

The show is being held at the Mombasa ASK showground, Kenya. It is themed 'Promoting climate-smart agriculture and trade initiative for sustainable economic growth.'

Various private, public, and international exhibitors are participating in the trade fair, as a local media outlet reports. More than 1,000 schools from across the country have also been invited to participate. Mombasa ASK chairperson Anisa Abdallah said the move to invite schools is aimed at giving students an opportunity to learn new technology to boost farming activities.

The country's Agriculture and Food Authority is promoting the climate-smart agriculture (CSA) initiative for sustainable economic growth through a range of strategies. These strategies include sustainable land use practices, value chain development, certification and standards, farmer and stakeholder capacity building, and market access and trade promotion.

CSA initiatives can help to achieve food security and broader development goals under a changing climate and increasing food demand. Furthermore, increased planning is vital in order to address tradeoffs and synergies between its three pillars — productivity, adaptation, and mitigation. Critical CSA practices like agroforestry, conservation tillage, and more are recognised by the Kenyan Climate Change Action Plan (2013–17).

The Mombasa International Agricultural Show is a major event that showcases the latest in agricultural technology and practices. It is an opportunity for farmers, businesses, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the sector. The show is also a way for the public to learn more about agriculture and how they can support food production.