The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) has called on Western Kenya farmers to shift to climate‑smart agriculture, including drought‑tolerant seeds, modern technologies and improved soil management, to offset unpredictable weather and protect food security.

The appeal follows reports of substantial crop losses caused by prolonged dry spells and shifting rainfall patterns that have jeopardised farmer incomes and regional food supplies.

EAGC chief executive Gerald Musila announced that demonstration farms have been set up at Kibabii University, where farmers, students and other stakeholders can test climate‑adapted seeds and practices such as conical gardens, intercropping and enhanced soil preparation.

The demonstration plots also feature remote‑sensing tools – satellite data, drone imagery and artificial intelligence – used in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization to monitor moisture stress and guide planting decisions.

Satellite assessments indicate a 35 percent decline in this year’s harvest in the Western region, attributed to drought‑related crop failures, although better rains in the Eastern and Lower Eastern regions have softened the national impact.

EAGC reports that its Kenyan agricultural hubs are working with over one million farmers to disseminate climate‑smart techniques, while its wider Eastern African programmes reach more than three million growers.

The North Rift and Western Region Agribusiness Expo, scheduled for 29 October at Kibabii University, will bring together farmers, researchers, agribusinesses and county officials to share knowledge on these technologies.

Organisers, including the Bungoma County Department of Agriculture and Kibabii University, say the event will provide practical learning on innovations that can boost yields, lower production risks and enhance resilience to climate change.

Kibabii University’s Deputy Vice‑Chancellor for Planning, Partnerships, Research and Innovation, Prof. Julius Maiyo, highlighted an AI‑driven irrigation system that senses soil moisture, alerts farmers via phone and automatically activates watering, which will be demonstrated at the expo.

Maiyo added that the partnership with EAGC enriches agricultural curricula by giving students hands‑on experience on the demonstration plots and encouraging exploration of AI applications in farming.