Drone program unveiled to deliver real-time soil data to Kenyan farmers

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced an innovative initiative to use drones, in collaboration with Kenya Airways, to gather crucial soil data.

Citizen Digital reports that this data will be sent to farmers via mobile phones, offering them real-time agronomic advice to improve their farming practices.

This initiative promises to transform how farmers access vital information, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity.

Furthermore, CS Kagwe emphasized the urgent need to reform the curriculum in Kenya's 10 agricultural training institutions.

He called for the integration of emerging technologies into the training programs to ensure that agricultural extension officers are well-equipped with modern skills to address current challenges in the sector.

These remarks were made during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the Rockefeller Foundation, headed by Executive Vice President Liz Yee.

The purpose of the gathering was to explore strategic collaborations aimed at addressing food security, driving economic growth, and enhancing rural livelihoods in Kenya.

The partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to strengthen its agricultural sector.

By leveraging technology and forming key alliances, the government aims to create sustainable solutions that benefit farmers and rural communities, helping them thrive in the face of changing agricultural dynamics.

The discussions centered on improving farmers' access to markets, encouraging climate-smart farming practices, and boosting the availability of nutritious food throughout the nation.

The meeting also discussed strategies to help achieve the 10 million school meals goal set by Vision 2030, with particular emphasis on revitalizing 4K Clubs in primary and secondary schools to cultivate healthy, nutritious food.