Egerton University has stepped up efforts to help farmers cope with climate change through the development of high-yielding, drought- and disease-resistant crop varieties.
The university’s Agro-Science Park, working with public and private sector partners, has developed several varieties targeting challenges posed by unpredictable rainfall, emerging pests and diseases.
Among the varieties released are Egerton Mbaazi M1, M2, M3 and M4 pigeon peas, 29 new cassava varieties, and Tasha, Ciankui and Chelalang beans suited to warmer areas.
The university has also developed Nyota and Mwangaza groundnuts, new sorghum varieties, finger millet and chickpea varieties.
Agro-Science Park Director Professor Paul Kimurto said climate change was increasingly threatening food production by disrupting rainfall patterns, reducing yields and increasing production costs.
The university is also training farmers on innovative production methods and post-harvest management to address losses caused by pests and diseases.
The initiative comes at a critical time for Kenya’s food system. Drought has damaged crops in parts of the country’s major grain-producing regions, raising concerns over food supplies and increasing pressure for imports.
Climate-smart varieties could offer farmers an important tool for adapting to changing weather conditions.
But access to improved seed, farmer training, extension services and reliable markets will be just as important if the technologies are to translate into higher incomes and stronger food security.
