As Kenya grapples with the harsh realities of climate change, the need for crop diversification has never been more urgent. The country's reliance on maize as a staple food has been strained by recurrent droughts and crop failures, making it imperative to explore alternative crops like cassava. Cassava, known for its resilience in arid conditions, offers a promising solution to Kenya's food security challenges.
During the third day of the 2nd RUFORUM Triennial Conference, Prof. Richard Mulwa presented compelling findings from his cassava research at Egerton University. His research highlights how Kenya's small-scale farmers, who are heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture, face heightened vulnerability due to climate change.
Prof. Mulwa, who also serves as the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance & Planning), emphasized the benefits of introducing climate-resilient crops such as cassava and short-term legumes like groundnuts, beans, and cowpeas. He also advocated for a shift towards multiple cropping systems and allied agricultural enterprises, which could significantly reduce the risk factors for farmers.
Prof. Mulwa's research, supported by the TAGDev Program, is part of a broader effort to promote agricultural diversification as a means to secure the continent's food future. Through projects like the Cassava Value Chain CARP+, Egerton University is leading the way in reorienting local capacities for diversified livelihoods. The findings underscore the critical need for government policy shifts to support these diversification efforts and ensure that small-scale farmers can thrive in the face of climate change.
