Sipili agriculture stakeholders set to hold World Food Day celebrations

By Bob Aston

The County government of Laikipia Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries through Sipili agriculture Stakeholders Forum is set to hold an open day during the World Food Day at Sipili Community Stadium on October 16, 2014 starting from 9:00 am. The event which will be graced by among others Laikipia County Governor will mark world food day celebration whose theme this year is Family Farming: “Feeding the world, caring for the earth.”

Also expected at the open day will be various organizations that include; Kenya Seed Company Ltd, Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN), Participatory Approaches for Integrated Development (PAFID), Syngenta, Osho Chemicals Ltd, Elgon Kenya Ltd, Tree Is Life Trust (TILT), Twiga Chemicals, Pioneer Hi-bred, Rumuruti Forest Association, Upper Ewaso Narok Water Resources Users Association (WRUA), Pure Circle Kenya Ltd, Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative Society, Sipili Location Community Forest Association (CFA), Sipili WRUA, Sipili Cereal Bank and International Small Group and Tree Planting Program (TIST).

Sipili Agriculture Stakeholders Forum members during a meeting

Government ministries and departments expected to attend the open day include; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, Public Health, Veterinary department and Adult Education. Various self help groups and Community based organizations drawn from Laikipia West Constituency are also expected to attend.

The event will provide farmers with an opportunity to learn about Climate Smart agriculture (CSA) and best farming practices. The public will also be able to see various technologies/innovations that will be exhibited by various organizations.

Mr. James Kamau, Divisional Agriculture Officer, Ol-Moran/Sipili Ward has urged the public to turn up in large number during the celebration. He said that the open day will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about family farming and their importance in ensuring food security for the country.

“We are expecting a lot of exhibitors who are involved in the agriculture sector. The open day will enable farmers to learn from them. This will be an important day in the agriculture sector. No one from Ol-Moran/Sipili Ward should miss attending the open day,” said Mr. Kamau.

Some of the exhibitors that the public should look out for during the open day include; Kenya Seed Company Ltd as they will be able to learn more about certified hybrid seeds, Sokopepe as farmers will get an opportunity to learn more about SOKO+ and Farm Records Management Information System (FARMIS) and even register for the products, Pure Circle Kenya Ltd as farmers will be able to learn about Stevia plant which has generated a lot of interest in Sipili, Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative Society which is now a grain business hub and Bidii Women Group which is an umbrella organization that has brought together Makutano B and Smart Lady Women groups. The women have been making baskets, purses, necklaces, bangles, anklets and earrings.

The World Food Day was declared by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to honor the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 1945. It aims to heighten public awareness of world food security and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

On behalf of Sipili Agriculture Stakeholders Forum of which ALIN is a member, we would like to welcome members of the public to the open day which will be held at Sipili Community Stadium on October 16, 2014 from 9:00 am.