Farmers in Machakos County are being urged to adopt biological pesticides as a sustainable solution to pest control and climate change mitigation. This shift comes in response to the growing concern over the negative environmental effects caused by prolonged use of chemical pesticides in agriculture.
Speaking during a farmer training held in Kabaa, Machakos County, Prof. Cecilia Moraa Onyango emphasized the importance of transitioning to eco-friendly farming practices. The event was organized by Mount Kenya University (MKU) in partnership with the University of Nairobi and other stakeholders.
Prof. Onyango noted that many farmers spend large amounts of money on chemical pesticides, only to face environmental degradation and declining yields in the long run.
“The use of biological pesticides not only reduces the cost of farming but also helps protect the environment and improve soil health,” she said.
Dr. Allan Mueke from MKU echoed these sentiments, adding that the new technology will be a game-changer for farmers battling pest resistance, which is often a result of continued use of chemical-based solutions.
“Biological pesticides are proving effective in managing pests that have developed resistance to chemicals, thereby enhancing crop productivity,” Dr. Mueke said.
The one-day training brought together over 30 farmers from different parts of Machakos County. Participants were introduced to environmentally safe pest control methods and trained on how to implement them on their farms.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign to promote sustainable agriculture and improve food security through innovative, climate-smart farming practices.
