Climate-Smart Farming

Executive Summary

Kenya’s agricultural sector is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, resource scarcity, and outdated farming practices. However, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is emerging as a practical, technology-driven approach to reversing food insecurity and rural poverty. This report explores how climate-smart solutions, such as AI-enabled decision-making tools, solar-powered irrigation, and sustainable farming models, are transforming arid regions, addressing gaps in dairy productivity, and supporting community resilience. Case studies from Marsabit, Busia, and national agricultural trends highlight both progress and urgent needs. Investments in localized AI, smart irrigation, and robust extension services can position Kenya as a regional leader in sustainable farming.

Introduction and Background

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) encompasses farming practices that increase productivity, enhance resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With climate volatility affecting rainfall patterns, soil fertility, and livestock health, Kenya’s farmers in arid and semi-arid regions are adopting innovative models to adapt and thrive.

In Marsabit County, a drought-prone region, climate-smart farming initiatives are reversing decades of degradation. Similarly, in Western Kenya, dairy farmers struggle with outdated artificial insemination services, highlighting the need for smart agricultural support systems. Meanwhile, national sugarcane production is being disrupted by governance issues, showing how both climate and structural challenges affect the agricultural value chain.

Data and Analysis

Climate-Smart Agriculture in Action – Marsabit Case Study

• A 40-acre climate-smart farm in Shurr Conservancy uses solar-powered drip irrigation, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable water management.
• Supported by WWF-Kenya and VCA, the initiative also integrates beekeeping, poultry, and energy-efficient cookstoves.
• The farm serves both the community and wildlife through a KES 20 million borehole project.

AI-Enhanced Farming Practices

• Companies like Datacentrix are rolling out AI-as-a-Service tools for smallholder farmers.
• AI is used for crop and weather data analysis, resource optimization, and livestock monitoring.
• Emphasis is on localized, trust-driven adoption to empower rather than replace farmer knowledge.

Gaps in Dairy Technology – Western Kenya

• Dairy farmers in Busia County report poor access to reliable artificial insemination (AI) services, leading to high costs and low productivity.
• Farmers rely on private providers often using expired or poor-quality semen.
• A recent field day offering subsidized AI services was met with high demand, indicating a need for public sector involvement.

Disruption in Sugarcane Sector

• April 2025 recorded a 44% drop in sugarcane deliveries due to disputes over the leasing of state-owned mills.
• National sugar output fell to 36,194 tonnes, the lowest since 2023.
• The fallout demonstrates how governance and infrastructure challenges can nullify gains from favorable climate and subsidies.

Key Findings

• Localized climate-smart farming models like those in Marsabit are effective in improving food security and resilience in arid regions.
• AI tools, when customized and trusted, can enhance farmer decision-making and productivity in both crop and livestock farming.
• There is a critical technology gap in key services like artificial insemination for dairy farmers, affecting the economic viability of smallholder farms.
• Governance issues in agriculture, such as the sugar mill leasing controversy, can undermine climate adaptation efforts and investor confidence.

Recommendations

1. Scale Climate-Smart Models Nationally: Replicate Marsabit’s CSA model in other arid counties using blended finance and public-private partnerships.
2. Modernize Dairy Support Services: Establish government-certified AI centers with quality control, subsidized pricing, and regular extension services.
3. Promote AI Adoption Through Training and Trust: Offer digital literacy programs to support AI-enabled farming tools, and co-develop solutions with farmers for local relevance.
4. Ensure Transparency in Agricultural Policy: Address governance and procurement challenges such as in the sugar sector, to restore trust and stabilize production.
5. Invest in Water Infrastructure: Expand solar-powered irrigation and water storage systems to mitigate drought in semi-arid regions.

References

• CIO Africa (2025). How AI Is Cultivating the Future of Farming.
• The Star. Dairy Farmers in Western Struggle with Poor AI Services.
• The Star. Climate-Smart Farming in Marsabit County.
• Nation Media (2025). Cane Deliveries Dip Amid Sugar Mill Leasing Disputes.