Smart agriculture to help Africa fight climate change

George Mathenge, a technician at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, who was exhibiting his product of a wine made from the watermelon fruit, said that innovative efforts are critical for supporting the sustainability of agriculture and climate-smart agriculture is vital for the world's survival.

He added that by harnessing technology and research, farmers can be empowered through processes such as value addition as he has done with his watermelon wine. Climate-smart technology will also ensure food security while preserving the environment and preventing future disasters.

"If you consider the recent floods that affected our country in April, the drought facing northern Kenya and most parts of the Horn of Africa and other events such as locust attacks and livestock diseases, you realize that it is only through innovative agricultural technologies, sustainable farming practices and climate-resilient crops and livestock that we can beat climate change," Mathenge said.