The County Government of Turkana, in partnership with SAPCONE and the World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a new initiative aimed at transforming local food systems by using schools as a catalyst for agricultural growth, nutrition improvement and sustainable development.
The initiative was unveiled during an agribusiness fair held at the Katilu Citizen Resource Center under the theme “Improving Local Food Systems Using Schools as a Catalytic Platform.”
The programme seeks to enhance crop production, strengthen market linkages for farmers and promote environmentally sustainable practices within educational institutions.
Supporting Farmers and Improving School Nutrition
The initiative is designed to empower smallholder farmers by improving their resilience to climate-related challenges while creating reliable markets for their produce.
At the same time, the programme aims to ensure learners have access to nutritious meals through a home-grown school feeding programme, which prioritizes sourcing food from local farmers and producer groups.
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By connecting schools directly with local producers, the initiative is expected to stimulate agricultural production, increase household incomes and improve food security across the region.
County Government Commits to Food Security
Speaking during the launch, County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation David Maraka commended the collaboration between government agencies and development partners in advancing food security initiatives.
“The Government is committed to improving food security by providing last-mile extension services, facilitating access to market linkages, and collaborating with development partners,” said Maraka.
He emphasized the need to equip farmers with modern agricultural knowledge and skills to increase productivity and strengthen local food systems.
Creating Sustainable Markets for Farmers
SAPCONE agronomist John Kitui highlighted the initiative’s potential to create economic opportunities for farmers while improving nutrition outcomes for school-going children.
“By linking school demand for fresh, local products with the supply from smallholder farmers, we are not only promoting agricultural development but also expanding market and economic opportunities,” he said.
“This initiative is about creating a sustainable food system that benefits both children and farmers.”
The project seeks to establish long-term, predictable markets for local agricultural produce while supporting the growth of agribusiness enterprises within Turkana.
Focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture
Beyond food production and nutrition, the programme also promotes Natural Resource Management (NRM) and environmentally friendly practices.
The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions in schools through energy-efficient solutions and sustainable resource management while encouraging climate-smart agricultural practices among farming communities.
Organizers say the approach will contribute to environmental conservation while strengthening the resilience of local food systems against climate change.
The launch was attended by Assistant County Commissioner Edison Nyachwaye, Director for Trade Winnie Loposh, Director for Irrigation and Land Reclamation Richard Lokoyan, Director for ECDE Ezekiel Ichor, Director for Youth and Gender Linus Namoe, Deputy Director for Agriculture Esau Emmanuel, Deputy Director for Partnerships Mike Aupe, and other county government officials.
