Suma Grow Director Tim Gammon (Left) meets Siaya County official (Right) to discuss adoption of microbes technology to boost crop yields. Photo/courtesy.
Siaya County is moving to strengthen food and nutrition security for vulnerable households through strategic agricultural partnerships.
The County’s Department of Agriculture has engaged with Academies Of Knowledge-Incubation For A Better Africa, known as AKIBA, to explore innovations aimed at improving crop production while reducing input costs.
The discussions focus on adopting SUMA GROW’s microbial biological catalyst, a technology designed to enhance soil and plant health. The product works by boosting natural biological processes in the soil, which can increase crop yields and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers, excessive water use, and pesticides.
To test the technology’s suitability and efficiency, Siaya County plans to establish demonstration plots in multiple locations. The trials will be conducted under the supervision of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, Kephis, to ensure that farmers are introduced only to safe and effective inputs.
County officials said the initiative forms part of preparations for the Long Rains Campaign 2026. The program aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while promoting sustainable farming practices that curb soil degradation.
Siaya County has increasingly leveraged partnerships with non-governmental organizations and private technology providers to boost agricultural productivity.
By working with organizations that specialize in health, education and social protection, the County seeks to create a holistic approach that addresses the broader challenges facing rural communities.
The Department of Agriculture emphasized that the adoption of microbial technologies represents a step toward modernizing farming practices in the region. Farmers participating in the trials will have the opportunity to observe the impact of the technology firsthand and provide feedback before wider distribution.
