Sharlene Ruto has called on young people to take the lead in revolutionizing agriculture through innovation, conservation, and mechanization, emphasizing that sustainable farming is key to securing Africa’s food future. Speaking during Egerton University’s Agriculture Week, she urged students and stakeholders to adopt climate-smart practices that enhance productivity while safeguarding the environment.
Innovation and Mechanization in Agriculture
Ruto stressed that agriculture must move beyond traditional methods and embrace technology-driven solutions. “Agriculture is not just about big tractors and machines. It’s about using smart tools, innovations, and mechanization to make farming more attractive, efficient, and profitable for young people,” she stated.
She highlighted precision farming, automation, and digital agriculture as key drivers of change, arguing that technology can bridge gaps in efficiency and productivity. By adopting modern irrigation techniques, mechanized planting, and AI-powered farm monitoring systems, young farmers can increase yields while reducing labor-intensive processes.
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Carbon Footprint Reduction
Ruto underscored the urgent need for climate-smart agriculture, warning that food production and environmental conservation must go hand in hand. She noted that unsustainable farming practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation and called for a shift towards low-emission, eco-friendly farming methods.
“How we farm determines how well we conserve the environment. Reducing carbon emissions in agriculture is about more than just planting trees—it’s about adopting sustainable practices in land tilling, water conservation, and mechanization,” she explained.
She urged young people to explore conservation agriculture, which emphasizes minimum soil disturbance, crop rotation, and organic soil enrichment to improve yields without harming the ecosystem. Efficient irrigation systems, agroforestry, and regenerative farming techniques should be prioritized to reduce emissions while boosting agricultural productivity.
The Role of Agriculture in Sustainable Communities
Beyond food production, Ruto emphasized that agriculture plays a crucial role in building sustainable communities. "Young people must understand that agriculture is not just about planting and harvesting; it is about ensuring that future generations inherit productive land,” she said.
She noted that Africa has the potential to lead in food security and agribusiness if young people take the initiative. “The fields of Africa are not just waiting for farmers; they are waiting for leaders, innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs,” she remarked.
Personal Experience and Call to Action
Drawing from her personal journey, Ruto shared how her COVID-19 lockdown experience reshaped her perspective on agriculture. “During the lockdown, my family spent time on the farm. At first, I didn’t like it—I wanted to stay behind with my friends. But it was a requirement, and eventually, I started beekeeping. That’s when I realized my potential and passion for agriculture. Today, I am a farmer, and beekeeping has proven to be a profitable venture,” she shared.
She concluded with a powerful call to action, urging young people to embrace agriculture as a career and a mission. "Africa does not need to remain a continent of untapped potential. We must become global leaders in food security, sustainability, and agricultural innovation," she declared.
By Kurian Musa
Communications Officer
Egerton University
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