Turkana Stakeholders Validate Draft Agriculture Policy to Address Food Insecurity
Lodwar, September 18, 2025 – Public Communications and Media Relations
The Turkana County Government has taken a major step towards strengthening its agricultural sector after key stakeholders gathered in Lodwar to validate the Draft Turkana County Agriculture Policy 2025.
The two-day meeting drew representatives from farmers and farmer groups, development partners, private sector actors, local universities, policymakers, government agencies, civil society organizations, and non-state actors. The event, supported by Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT through the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa program, aimed to refine the draft policy and ensure its interventions effectively tackle food insecurity.
In his opening remarks, read by Director of Agriculture Aron Nanok, Dr. Michael Eregae, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, emphasized the county’s commitment to addressing food and nutrition security challenges.
Once finalized, this policy will help tackle the perennial food insecurity affecting a large portion of our population. It aligns with global, regional, and national frameworks, as well as Governor Lomorukai’s agenda on food security, including irrigation, improved farming techniques, grain storage, and fostering peace and stability as a foundation for sustainable food systems in Turkana, said Dr. Eregae.
The CECM underscored the importance of synergy among the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries sub-sectors to ensure a sustainable food base in the county. He noted that the policy provides a clear framework to guide the growth, regulation, and transformation of the agricultural sector, with a strong focus on crop production.
Echoing this, Hon. Samal Etubon, Chair of the County Assembly Committee on Agriculture, said the policy would help end years of dependence on relief food distribution.
The meeting also featured suggestions to strengthen the policy. Katilu Ward MCA proposed partnerships with Turkana University College to offer bachelor’s and master’s programs in agribusiness, rather than limiting agricultural education to diplomas. He also recommended establishing an Agricultural Fund to finance county farming initiatives beyond the limited budget allocations.
Hosea Lotiir, Chairman of the Lokubae Irrigation Scheme, raised concerns over the invasive Prosopis juliflora, which has overtaken fertile areas. He urged the policy to include measures for reclaiming invaded riverine land.
Grace Aipa, representing Catholic Relief Services, suggested incorporating existing county laws, such as the Animal Health Act 2024, into the final policy to ensure alignment with ongoing legislation.
The draft policy is expected to guide Turkana County’s agricultural development, boosting productivity, food security, and economic growth while reducing dependence on relief food.