Nairobi, September 19, 2024 – A record number of exhibitors is expected at this year’s Naivasha Horticultural Fair (NHF), which opens this Friday through Saturday at the Naivasha Sports Club. The NHF, renowned as Africa’s largest horticultural exhibition, is placing a strong emphasis on small-scale growers, thanks to a partnership with Co-operative Bank.
Speaking ahead of the event, NHF Chairman Richard McGonnel highlighted the critical role of small-scale farmers in ensuring food security. “If we are to succeed in the fight for food security, we must support small-scale farmers by providing access to basic services like soil testing and extension education,” he said. McGonnel also pointed out that many exhibitors have tailored their stands specifically for small-scale farmers.
Elgon Kenya is one such exhibitor focusing on this segment. Communications Manager Nelson Maina stated, “Elgon Kenya has deliberately prioritized small-scale farmers, who contribute 60% of the nation’s food production. Despite their vital role, they have been left to navigate a rapidly changing agricultural landscape on their own. We believe it’s our responsibility to bring them into the fold.”
Hamish Ker, CEO of Andermatt Kenya, shared the company’s success in boosting yields by 30% through trials conducted at its Naivasha demonstration farm. “We will showcase our solutions for soil health, seed treatment, crop nutrition, and pest and disease management, all of which are based on natural, biological methods,” he said.
McGonnel stressed the importance of professionalizing small-scale farming by raising awareness about the essential factors for successful farming and ensuring that affordable inputs and services are available. “Basic services like soil testing and corrective recommendations should either be the responsibility of the government or offered through public-private partnerships,” he emphasized.
He also suggested that the government could support young agricultural graduates in setting up mobile soil testing services across the country. “All they need is access to the necessary equipment, which can be provided through a joint program between the government and the private sector. This approach would create jobs while helping farmers maintain healthy, productive soils.”
Ker invited farmers and stakeholders to visit Andermatt’s Naivasha demonstration farm, where trials on select horticultural crops and cereals are being conducted. The aim is to demonstrate how naturally occurring bacteria and fungi can enhance soil health and manage pests and diseases. “We must safeguard the life and health of our soils to feed a growing global population,” Ker said. “For too long, we’ve been depleting soil nutrients without replenishing them, leading to dead soils. The soil is home to vital living organisms, and we must care for them.”
Soil testing, Ker noted, is crucial for identifying nutrient deficiencies and determining the right inputs in the correct quantities to optimize crop yields.
