(MOMBASA, KENYA) – The 123rd Mombasa International Show opened on Thursday at the Mkomani Show grounds in Nyali with a focus on climate smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth.
This year’s event has attracted more investors than the 180 who participated last year. Mombasa County Deputy Governor Francis Toya said the show gives agricultural traders and exhibitors a platform to showcase their products while allowing local residents to learn from them.
The show began in 1903 and attained international status in 2002. It runs through 6th September and features 250 exhibitions.
The Agricultural Society of Kenya National Chairman Dr John Kibira invited members of the public to attend and learn from agricultural experts during the five day event. Exhibits include certified seed displays from Kenyan seed producing firms including Tsavo Seeds and Kenya Seed Company.
Kibira urged farmers to purchase seeds at the show and take advantage of the anticipated El Niño rains to plant.
The theme marks a shift from last year’s focus on innovation and technology. It reflects growing national concern over erratic weather patterns and their impact on farm output.
The Coast Development Authority is showcasing its Drought Mitigation Project at the event. CDA Project Manager Esther Kirigha said the authority has constructed boreholes and water pans to improve livelihoods for coastal residents.
The project targets the Kenyan Coast where an estimated 60% to 70% of land is classified as arid and semi arid. The Coast Development Authority is a regional statutory body established to plan and coordinate development in the six coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu and Taita Taveta.
Its mandate spans water resources, natural resource conservation and socio economic development.
Kirigha said the CDA is also running Blue Economy initiatives focused on the exploitation and rehabilitation of marine resources. These include mangrove and coral reef restoration along the coast as well as community development projects targeting women and youth.
She cited the Malindi Integrated Social Health Development Project and the Mjanaheri Ngomeni Road as examples of the Authority’s community work.
The CDA has partnered with the Italian Government for funding alongside organisations concerned with facilitating projects under the Blue Economy. Community based organisations such as the Pwani Hydro tech Youth Group are also involved in promoting climate smart agriculture.
The Mombasa International Show serves as one of Kenya’s oldest trade fairs. It brings together farmers, agribusiness firms, financial institutions and government agencies under one roof.
The event provides a market linkage platform for agricultural producers and buyers. Exhibitors showcase farm machinery, irrigation equipment, livestock, crop varieties and value added products.
The coastal region has faced repeated drought cycles that have affected crop and livestock production. The shift to climate smart agriculture aims to help farmers adapt through better seeds, water harvesting and soil management practices.
The show also offers training sessions and demonstrations for farmers on modern farming techniques. Agricultural experts are on site to advise on pest control, fertiliser use and post harvest handling.