Agricultural Innovation at ASK Show

Urban Farming Technologies Steal the Show at 2025 West Kenya ASK Exhibition
Urban agriculture took center stage at this year’s West Kenya Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show in Lichota, where exhibitors unveiled a range of climate-smart innovations designed to help households grow food sustainably in limited spaces. The event, held under the theme Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth, attracted hundreds of farmers, students, agripreneurs, and innovators eager to learn practical solutions for food production in both urban and peri-urban areas.
One of the most talked-about showcases was the Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) model presented by the Migori County Department of Agriculture. The display demonstrated how households can transform everyday waste items such as tyres, plastic containers, and tins into productive mini-gardens. Exhibition lead expert Mr. Tonny Kidiga explained that UPA aims to equip families living in towns and peri-urban settlements with affordable methods to grow vegetables, herbs, and even small livestock using minimal land. Among the standout exhibits were recycled tyre gardens painted in vibrant colours and stacked to create multi-level planters, as well as vertical hanging gardens that use repurposed containers to grow leafy vegetables while conserving space and water.
The innovations drew enthusiastic reactions from showgoers, many of whom expressed interest in adopting the techniques to cut food expenses and generate supplementary income. Mr. Kidiga noted that the rising cost of fresh produce in urban areas often burdens low-income families, yet most of the vegetables purchased daily can be grown at home. He emphasised that urban farming not only reduces household spending but can create small business opportunities, enabling families to sell surplus vegetables to neighbours. The approach also promotes environmental sustainability by turning non-decomposable waste into useful farming tools, reducing pollution while supporting household nutrition.
Looking forward, agricultural officers at the event highlighted plans to expand UPA training across counties in Western Kenya as part of broader climate-smart agriculture strategies. Counties aim to integrate such innovations into youth programs, women’s groups, and local agribusiness hubs to strengthen food resilience in fast-growing urban centres. With increased interest from families and schools, the Lichota ASK Show organisers said they expect urban farming technologies to become a key feature of agricultural exhibitions in coming years, driving a culture of creativity and sustainability among Kenya’s next generation of farmers.