The County Government of Garissa, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), organised a vibrant food fair at the IFO Youth Centre aimed at promoting nutrition, innovation, and self-reliance among local and refugee communities.
Held under the theme “Nourishing Communities, Building Self-Reliance,” the event brought together farmers, youth groups, entrepreneurs, and development partners to showcase diverse value chains and initiatives enhancing dietary diversity and sustainable livelihoods across the county.
The fair featured exhibitions on goat, fodder, poultry, and tomato enterprises, demonstrating Garissa’s growing potential in agri-business and food production.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about modern farming techniques, value addition, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices designed to improve household food security.
Cultural diversity was also at the heart of the event, with traditional cuisines from South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya on display.
These culinary exhibitions highlighted the rich cultural ties that connect the region’s communities and emphasised the role of local foods in promoting balanced diets.
Adding to the fair’s innovation showcase, refugee youth presented creative handicrafts made from camel bone, reflecting how local resources can be transformed into valuable products for income generation and entrepreneurship.
County officials and FAO representatives commended the exhibitors for their creativity and commitment to building resilient, food-secure communities.
They reaffirmed the importance of partnerships that empower people to move from dependency to self-reliance through skills development, agri-enterprise, and nutrition awareness.
The event concluded with calls for continued collaboration between the county government, FAO, and other stakeholders to scale up such initiatives across Garissa and other arid regions of Kenya.