Farmers in irrigation schemes in Morulem, Lokubae, Elelea, Katilu and Nawapeto in Turkana County have strongly backed the adoption of the contract farming model as a strategic approach to boosting crop and horticultural production across in the county’s agricultural zones.

During a farmers’ engagement forum on the Turkana County Agriculture Policy 2025, participants enumerated successful outcomes already achieved through contract farming initiatives in Katilu and Morulem, particularly in seed and grain maize production with the Kenya Seed Company and the World Food Programme (WFP).

They also cited the promising horticultural venture being undertaken by Hydroponics Africa Company in Letea, Turkana West.

Francis Esibitar, coordinator of Turkwel Irrigation Scheme, noted that contract farming has positively impacted 279 farmers in Kalemunyang, Kangalita, Naremit and Nanyee in Loima Sub-County); Cholo Farm in Turkana West and Katilu in Turkana South. Collectively, these farmers sold 21.9 metric tonnes of groundnuts valued at Ksh1.7 million to structured markets, including Egerton University, INSTA Products and Green Forest Company.

Katilu Ward administrator Mark Kotol described the model as a game-changing development strategy that effectively links smallholder producers to markets and modern agricultural technologies.

Chairperson of Katilu Irrigation Scheme John Natoo expressed confidence in contract farming as a driver for large-scale food production and endorsed the draft Agriculture Policy, stating that it would address key challenges faced by farmers. His counterpart Hosea Lotiir Chair of Lokubae Scheme proposed the inclusion of contract farming, leasing arrangements, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the policy framework. He recommended that the county government support market access by purchasing up to 50 per cent of local produce for humanitarian food assistance programmes.

Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation David Maraka emphasised that contract farming has strong potential to revolutionise agriculture in Turkana by linking farmers to reliable markets, enhancing productivity, and improving food security.

“There is substantial evidence that contract farming can transform agriculture in Turkana. However, to succeed, it must address infrastructural, institutional and environmental constraints,” Maraka said.

He defined contract farming as an arrangement where farmers and buyers agree on production methods, quality standards and pricing terms before the farming season. Maraka also assured farmers of efforts to incorporate leasing and PPP models into agricultural development to combat poverty and hunger.

He revealed that Ksh20 million has been allocated in the 2025/2026 budget for improvements to Katilu Irrigation Infrastructure.

Director of Agriculture Aron Nanok echoed the CCO’s remarks, highlighting that the contract farming model offers immense opportunities for scaling up production, especially given the county’s access to perennial rivers (Turkwel and Kerio) and substantial groundwater reserves, which can support expanded irrigation efforts.

“The growing demand for food in Turkana, driven by population growth, an influx of refugees and cross-border movements from South Sudan and Uganda, presents a ready market for agricultural produce,” Nanok added.

The four-day public engagement was supported by the Alliance for Bioversity-CIAT, through the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project.

Veronica Ndetu, a consultant with the Alliance, described contract farming as a powerful incentive for farmers to increase productivity and income. She emphasised the need for the agriculture policy to safeguard farmers from exploitative contracts and instead ensure guaranteed markets, fair pricing, access to inputs, and extension services.

Those present at the forum included Deputy Director for Administration Dorcas Ejore; Assistant Director for Irrigation; Sub-county Agricultural Officers Lucy Angiror and Samuel Erumu; Sub-county Agribusiness Officer and Harry Epur.

Also in attendance were technical officers from the department: Juma Vitalis, Okita Francis, Alphonse Abolem and Lochakwaan Peter. Representing the Alliance for Bioversity-CIAT were Liz Ogutu, Dorcas Jalang’o, and Esther Nzuki.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Peter Gitonga