Tana River Deputy Governor Mahat Ali Loka has urged farmers to increase food production and explore export markets to strengthen food security and household incomes.
World Food Day celebrations in Bura showcased crops, livestock innovations and climate-smart agriculture, highlighting Tana River’s agricultural potential.
“We are not a people of relief food,” Deputy Governor Mahat Ali Loka declared, challenging farmers to harness agriculture for food security and economic growth.
Tana River Deputy Governor Mahat Ali Loka has urged farmers to increase food production and explore export opportunities, saying the county has the agricultural potential to feed its population while generating income from wider markets.
Speaking during World Food Day celebrations at the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) research grounds in Bura, Loka challenged farmers to harness the county’s agricultural resources to strengthen food security and improve their livelihoods.
“We are not a people of relief food,” he declared, calling for greater efforts to translate Tana River’s agricultural potential into increased production and economic opportunity.
According to an update from the county government, the celebrations brought together county officials, farmers, development partners and other stakeholders, with exhibitions showcasing agricultural products, innovations and locally produced goods.
The event placed farmer empowerment, productivity and market access at the centre of discussions on strengthening the county’s food systems.
Loka’s appeal linked food production to two priorities: ensuring adequate food for local households and enabling farmers to earn income by supplying markets beyond the county. His call to explore export opportunities encouraged farmers to consider how agricultural production could support broader commercial ambitions.
The exhibitions featured maize, rice, sugarcane, sunflower and watermelon, illustrating the range of crops being showcased as part of Tana River’s agricultural economy.
Alongside the crop displays were exhibitions on climate-smart agriculture, livestock production and value addition. These provided a platform for participants to engage with approaches aimed at improving agricultural productivity and increasing the economic benefits of farming.
Accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Mwanajuma Hiribae, the Deputy Governor toured exhibition stands to view agricultural innovations and locally produced goods.
The tour brought county leaders into direct contact with exhibitors presenting different aspects of crop production, livestock development and agricultural enterprise.
Value addition was among the areas highlighted during the celebrations, alongside the need to create stronger market linkages. The event underscored the importance of connecting increased production with opportunities for farmers to sell their produce and improve their earnings.
Climate-smart agriculture also featured prominently in the exhibitions, placing attention on farming approaches that can support more resilient production. Livestock displays broadened the event’s focus beyond crops, reflecting the contribution of different agricultural activities to household food security and income.
Chief Officer for Agriculture and Cooperatives Faith Buya attended the celebrations alongside representatives of development organisations and other institutions.
Participating stakeholders included World Concern, Pastoral Girls Initiative, Welthungerhilfe (WHH), KEFRI, NYS and Green or Dream Investment Limited.
Their participation brought together actors from different sectors around the shared objectives of supporting farmers, strengthening food security and developing agricultural opportunities in the county.
The celebrations highlighted the connection between empowering producers and unlocking Tana River’s agricultural potential. Increased productivity, stronger market relationships and value addition were presented as priorities for turning farming activity into more reliable food supplies and improved livelihoods.
Loka urged farmers to build on that potential by scaling up production and looking beyond immediate local demand, with food security and income generation forming the central goals of his message.