Kasten’s Journey Toward Food Security: Climate-Smart Farming & Livestock Training Cultivates Resilience

A transformative two-day training was recently held in Kasten, bringing together 70 local farmers eager to strengthen their livelihoods in the face of climate challenges. The training was part of Kasten’s Economic Empowerment Program and Demo Farm Project, designed to equip Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) communities, like Kasten, with practical tools to boost community resilience, food security, and household income.

The sessions focused on refreshing farmers’ knowledge of drought-tolerant crop farming ahead of the October planting season, while introducing new ASAL farming techniques and income building opportunities like livestock diversification. 

Training Highlights

Crop Farming Refresher

• Best drought-tolerant, early-maturing crops for ASAL regions

• Low-tillage land preparation and proper planting methods

• Water conservation strategies to help during droughts

• Organic pest control, thinning, and weeding techniques

• Post-harvest handling and storage, and effective business practices

Conservation Agriculture

Techniques for enhancing soil moisture retention, reducing erosion, lowering costs, and improving yields over time.

• Ensure minimal soil disturbance to protect soil integrity

• Maintain continuous soil cover using mulch or cover crops

• Utilize crop rotation and diversity to improve soil fertility and reduce pest cycles

Agroforestry in ASAL Regions

Introduction to agroforestry and how integrating trees with crops and livestock can improve soil quality, provide shade and fodder, yield fruit and firewood, and support water conservation.

• Recommended tree species for ASAL regions

Livestock Diversification: Goat and Bee Keeping

Highlighting the economic benefits of diversifying into goat and bee keeping due to their resilience and low maintenance needs.

• Selecting hardy indigenous goat breeds and local bee species

• Low-cost feeding, shelter, and healthcare options

• Basic animal reproduction and maintaining accurate records

• Honey harvesting and processing skills

Participants engaged in hands-on learning throughout the training, which was highly participatory and included group discussions, experience sharing, and interactive Q&A sessions. By the end, participants left with renewed confidence and practical knowledge they could apply immediately. Many expressed strong interest in pursuing goat keeping and beekeeping, requesting follow-up support and additional training to deepen their knowledge and skills in livestock management.

We’re so excited to continue walking alongside Kasten’s farmers, offering the tools and support they need to build resilience, improve food security, and foster long-term self-reliance. This training was more than an educational event; it was a catalyst for hope, collaboration, and economic transformation in one of Kenya’s most vulnerable regions. Thank you for making programs like this possible; we couldn’t do this without you.