In Busia County, farmers are embracing climate-smart agriculture as a key strategy to combat the impacts of climate change and enhance food security. Supported by the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, this transformative initiative is equipping small-scale farmers with modern agricultural techniques and resources to improve their productivity and resilience.
At the heart of this initiative is a 30-acre climate-resilient horticultural park established in Benga village, Nambale sub-county. This park supports 120 selected farmers, each allocated a quarter of an acre to cultivate crops using sustainable practices. With the provision of seeds for high-value crops such as capsicum, kales, butter nuts, and watermelon, farmers have been able to generate a steady income and secure food for their families.
Participants have reported significant improvements in their livelihoods. For many, agriculture has shifted from a subsistence activity to a dependable source of income. On average, individual farmers are earning up to Sh2,000 per week, while some make even more. This income not only supports daily needs but also reduces dependency on aid or neighbors for food and other necessities.
One of the key strengths of the project is its promotion of irrigation-based farming. This method allows continuous crop production throughout the year, including during periods of drought or erratic rainfall. By installing efficient irrigation systems, farmers are able to mitigate the effects of extreme weather, ensuring their crops remain healthy and market-ready regardless of seasonal changes.
However, farmers continue to face challenges, particularly from heavy rains and hailstorms which can devastate crops like capsicum and kales. To counter this, farmers have called on the program to include greenhouses as a protective measure against harsh weather conditions. Greenhouses would serve as a buffer, helping to safeguard yields and incomes from unpredictable climate events.
The broader impact of this agricultural shift is evident as Busia positions itself as an emerging hub for smart farming. The initiative aligns with national development priorities under the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasizes grassroots economic growth and improved livelihoods.
The Benga horticultural park is equipped with essential infrastructure including an intake weir, a raised steel water tank, solar-powered irrigation systems, and facilities for vegetable drying and cooling. Eight acres are managed using drip irrigation while the remaining 22 acres utilize a sprinkler system. These innovations ensure efficient water use and crop health.
Looking ahead, farmers are expected to diversify their produce to include a wider range of vegetables, particularly African leafy greens, which are both climate-resilient and nutritionally rich. This project stands as a model of community-led climate adaptation and sustainable agricultural development, promising long-term benefits for the region.
