Theme: Enhancing Technology in Agriculture and Industry for food security and National Growth
The objective of exhibiting at the show was to take advantage of newly established county to share ideas and experiences with other stakeholders.
In the 5 days event, Slow Food Central rift Convivium and Necofa in collaboration with other partners had the chance to showcase their products and programmes besides exchanging new ideas. Notably on the stand were presidia products from Lare pumpkin and Mau stinging nettle.The farmers were able to showcase their produce while the schools showcased the activities they are undertaking in gardening and environmental conservation.
It was an excellent opportunity for the exhibitors, show goers and various stakeholders to interact gain insights into new trends, technologies and methods in agriculture, industry, trade and other related fields. Lot of information, demonstrations, technology transfers and important contacts were available from the many stands of exhibitors.
Exhibitions by Necofa were geared towards achieving sustainable food security through increased productivity and value addition on indigenous agricultural products for a healthy nation as well as improved environmental conservation. Farmers working with Necofa had an opportunity to showcase their indigenous products which included; Ogiek pure natural honey from Mau Forest, Mau stinging nettle by Utugi Self Help Group, stevia natural sugar, mixed porridge flour with several ingredients namely: stinging nettle powder, sweet potatoes, oats, maize, groundnuts, barley, amarantha, brush millet, finger millet and sorghum. Nganoini Self Help Group from Lare exhibited pumpkin, Pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed flour and pumpkin flesh flour. There were variety of foods prepared from these products, among them were: chapatti and mandazi from pumpkin flour and stinging nettle, porridge from pumpkin flour and stinging nettle, pumpkin juice and mukimo from the stinging nettle, millet Ugali,indigenous vegetables and Mursik from the kalenjins. Other products for exhibition were the hyax organic fertilizer, products from Molo wool project by Karunga Women Group, necklaces and bangles made by Sachangwan secondary school environmental club members.
There was much to be learnt from the stand which seemed to attract an extremely huge number of people comprising of all races and ages coming to see products and learn more about our organization .All were able to appreciate the nutritional and health benefits of our indigenous agricultural products leading to a high demand for the products as well as our ready prepared foods. Many recommendations were made especially on establishment of more distribution outlets for our products in Nakuru County for continuous supply and also to come up with more indigenous food products.
