JKUAT and JICA Empower Turkana Farmers with Climate-Smart Skills to Boost Resilience and Livelihoods
In a significant step towards bolstering climate resilience in arid lands, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully completed an intensive, week-long training for 50 farmers in Turkwel, Loima Sub-County. Held from February 1-7, 2026, the initiative aimed to equip the community with practical skills to overcome the harsh realities of climate variability, water scarcity, and food insecurity.
Implemented under the theme “Enhancing the Capacity of Refugee Host Communities for Climate Resilience and Livelihood Improvement (ECHCR-RELI),” the program brought together farmers from the Napool Irrigation Scheme and surrounding areas. The training focused on delivering hands-on, locally adaptable solutions, including water harvesting techniques like zai pits, the introduction of drought-resistant crops such as dragon fruit and aloe vera, and best practices for improving livestock health and reducing post-harvest losses.
Prof. Jackson Kwanza, JKUAT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Production and Extension, lauded the trainees for their dedication. He highlighted that JKUAT’s unique strength lies in blending agricultural expertise with technological innovation to provide practical solutions.
“Your enthusiasm is a powerful indicator of the positive impact this program will have on household livelihoods and the broader community’s ability to adapt to climate change,” Prof. Kwanza stated.
The training was delivered by experts from JKUAT’s Department of Extension Services and Community Outreach (ESCO) and the Institute of Biotechnology Research (IBR). Ms. Jane Njambi, a Technician from IBR, who led sessions on high-value crops, explained, that introducing resilient crops like dragon fruit and aloe vera directly to farmers provides them with tools to enhance food security and generate income, even in dryland conditions.”
For the participants, the knowledge gained represents a turning point. Ms. Florida Ereng, Chairlady of the Napool Irrigation Scheme, shared her experience noting that: “our biggest challenge has always been a lack of knowledge on farming with limited water. Learning about zai pits and capillary action is a game-changer. This training has not only given us new skills but has also united us. We can now work collectively and share what we’ve learned to empower our entire community.”
“This partnership is a clear demonstration of our commitment to community-led development,” said Mr. Simon Kariuki, JICA Project Manager for the Education Sector, during the closing ceremony. He urged the participants to act as champions of change within their community. “Apply these skills on your farms and share this knowledge with your neighbors. The youth, in particular, are key to ensuring the long-term sustainability and continuity of this project,” Mr. Kariuki added.
The JKUAT–JICA In-Country Project in Turkwel stands as a model for how strategic partnerships and targeted extension services can deliver impactful solutions, turning knowledge into innovation and skills into lasting impact for communities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.
